Former Bucks veteran eyes NBA comeback 1 Apr 2, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Danilo Gallinari (12) fights for the ball during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports

Former Bucks veteran eyes NBA comeback

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 6:30 AM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks featured Danilo Gallinari on their roster in the 2023-24 campaign, viewing him as an important piece of their second unit. Long recognized for his scoring touch, he remained a reliable offensive option off the bench. During that year, he suited up for three different teams, including a brief 17-game stint with the Bucks late in the season.

Gallinari couldn’t secure a spot on an NBA roster this past season, leading him to continue his career overseas. Now 37, landing another opportunity in the league may prove difficult, though he’s still pursuing it.

The former Bucks veteran expressed his desire for one more NBA season, saying, “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.”

Danilo Gallinari returning in the NBA?

Former Bucks veteran eyes NBA comeback 2 Mar 28, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Danilo Gallinari (12) during warmups before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The former member of the Milwaukee Bucks believes he still has something to offer an NBA team despite his age. Per Pianetabasket.com, the 6-foot-10 veteran hopes to get one last season in the league.

“Coming back to Milan has always been a dream. But to come back, you have to be wanted. I’ve received calls from Italian and EuroLeague teams, even recently. I’ve never received a phone call from Milan,” Gallinari also said via Iacopo De Santis on X (formerly Twitter).

Gallinari probably won’t return to Milwaukee, since he’s aiming to join a championship contender even if his role is small. More likely, he’ll finish his career overseas in Italy, as NBA teams don’t appear ready to give him the chance to wrap up his playing days in the US.

Former Bucks veteran eyes NBA comeback 3 Feb 27, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Seth Curry (30) looks for a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and forward Danilo Gallinari (12) in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Danilo Gallinari still hopes an NBA team will give him a shot, but at this stage his game no longer fits the league. If he wants real playing time, staying in Europe makes more sense. The Bucks almost certainly wouldn’t bring him back, even on a bargain deal, since his injury history limits the value he could offer Milwaukee.

In his final NBA season with Milwaukee, Gallinari posted averages of 2.8 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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