The Denver Nuggets, with extra room under the salary cap, signed forward Danilo Gallinari to a new-and-improved contract on August 2, 2015, which included an player option worth $16.1 million for the 2017-18 season. It was assumed at that time that Gallinari would likely opt for free agency in 2017, and that is what the Nuggets currently believe.

“That would be my assumption. I’d be extremely happy if Gallo didn’t opt out," Nuggets GM Tim Connelly told Altitude Sports Radio on Monday. "But he’s got to be selfish and maximize his earning power. That’s probably a safe bet."

Gallinari, 28, has played in 42 games this season, and he's currently averaging 17.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Gallinari is also making 39.2 percent of his 3-point attempts. He has been with the Nuggets for over five years, and Connelly would like to keep his forward beyond this season.

"Right now with Gallo, there’s nothing we can do to keep him here long-term until the offseason,” Connelly said. "He’s a guy that we value, a guy that I know really enjoys his time here, and he’s playing great basketball."

When the 2017 free-agent market opens on July 1, Gallinari's agent will likely take calls from several NBA teams. Those who might call, besides the Nuggets, could include Boston, Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Minnesota, New Orleans, Orlando and Phoenix.

--- Nick Silva