Danilo Gallinari trade helps Clippers figure things out

With the Danilo Gallinari trade, the Los Angeles Clippers prove not all is lost.

The Los Angeles Clippers aren’t giving up just yet, and the Danilo Gallinari trade proves it. Losing Chris Paul and J.J. Redick aren’t easy losses, but they’re making the most of it.

Blake Griffin was a big part of getting Gallinari to Los Angeles. After deciding to stay put, Griffin will return on a five year deal worth around $175 million.

As reported by ESPN, Danilo Gallinari became a Clipper thanks to a three team deal.

Per the report:

"Los Angeles, Denver and Atlantareached agreement Tuesday night on a deal that will have the Clippers send Jamal Crawford, Diamond Stone, a 2018 first-round pick previously acquired from Houston and cash to the Hawks, league sources said."

While it’s a bummer that Jamal Crawford was also lost in the process, it’s part of the business side of things. Blake Griffin is now officially the team’s cornerstone, and it’s a do or die off-season for them to try and make it work.

Contending in the Western Conference without a star point guard won’t be easy. However, one of the weaknesses of the juggernaut teams is that they’re not as great with their big men. They’re more shot oriented and have shooters who can spread the floor.

Los Angeles will need to get creative next season, and Gallinari’s acquisition helps with that. He’s another bigger guy, but he can shoot. They have signed for a three year deal, so they know he’s not just a rental for one season.

Whether or not Gallinari will flow well with Doc Rivers is yet to be seen. After Chris Paul left to Houston, it was reported that nepotism had a key role in his decision. Rivers decided not to make a trade go through that would’ve in part sent his son elsewhere and brought Carmelo Anthony to Los Angeles.

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Finally, it’ll be telling if the head coach can correctly handle the next set of star power under his control.