When a player leaves the NBA, they don’t often come back.
But it’s not unfathomable to see someone depart from the league and then come back after a period away, perhaps playing overseas or spending time with their family.
Danilo Gallinari hasn’t been in the association since the 2023-24 season, but he might be plotting a return.
However, if he does come back, he knows he will be acting as “insurance” for a team.
“Hopefully, I always hope so. If I were to return, it would be as a veteran, kind of like insurance for a franchise. I wouldn’t play much and would serve as a helpful presence,” Gallinari said.
Gallinari also said he would like to have one last year in the NBA.
"Hopefully, I always hope so. If I were to return, it would be as a veteran, kind of like insurance for a franchise. I wouldn’t play much and would serve as a helpful presence". pic.twitter.com/LHRMbVoJG5
— Iacopo De Santis (@iacopodesantis) August 24, 2025
Gallinari spent 14 seasons in the league and played for multiple teams.
He got started with the New York Knicks, but then traveled to the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Atlanta Hawks.
He spent some time on the sidelines with an injury and then finished his final season playing for the Washington Wizards, Detroit Pistons, and Milwaukee Bucks.
By the time that came to an end, Gallinari was 35 years old and ready to step away from the league.
But his love of the game hasn’t faded with age, and he sounds willing to come back.
The Italian star knows that he wouldn’t be a starter, and he is totally comfortable with that.
However, just because Gallinari is up for it doesn’t mean it’ll happen.
As mentioned, it’s not common to see a player leave the league and then come back years later.
Gallinari has the drive to contribute, but it may be difficult to find an NBA team willing to give him the chance.
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