Bucks to sign free agent Gallinari

The Milwaukee Bucks are signing Danilo Gallinari, the forward's agent told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Gallinari was among the top free agents available on the buyout market. He had interest from several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Chicago Bulls, reports The Athletic's Shams Charania. However, he opted to reunite with Doc Rivers, his former coach on the Clippers, in hopes of cementing a bigger role.

The 35-year-old Italian is averaging 7.3 points and 2.8 rebounds through 32 games this season split between the Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons. He was sent to the latter in January in a four-player deal but was waived after playing just six games.

Gallinari is shooting just 35.5% from distance this year but was a 40% 3-point shooter in three of his previous four campaigns, falling just short in 2021-22 with 38.1%.

After signing a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics, he tore his ACL while representing Italy and missed all of last season. He was shipped to the Wizards as part of the package for Kristaps Porzingis before playing a game in Beantown.

Gallinari gives Milwaukee experienced insurance on the wing, where they've been without regular starter Khris Middleton for five games with an ankle sprain, including Thursday against the Memphis Grizzlies.