Early Life & NBA Beginnings
Danilo Gallinari — nicknamed “Il Gallo” (“The Rooster”) — was born on August 8, 1988 in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Italy.
He began his professional basketball career in Italy before declaring for the 2008 NBA Draft. He was selected 6th overall in Round 1 by New York Knicks.
He signed a two-year rookie contract with the Knicks for the 2008–09 season.
During his Knicks tenure (2008–2011), Gallinari began establishing himself as a versatile forward with size, shooting, and court awareness — traits that would shape his multi-team NBA journey.
Contract & Career Earnings
Over his long NBA career, Gallinari has signed multiple contracts — ranging from rookie deals to multi-year, high-value agreements. Some key highlights:
-
In 2012, he signed a four-year extension worth US $42 million with the Denver Nuggets.
-
In 2017, he inked a three-year deal worth around US $65 million with the Nuggets (before eventual trades) — reflecting his value as a proven veteran forward.
-
For the 2023–24 season, Gallinari signed a one-year veteran-minimum contract (~US $1,047,112).
According to aggregate data, by the end of the 2023–24 season, Gallinari’s total career earnings from NBA contracts were estimated at approximately US $202 million.
Some sources adjust this figure (with inflation or additional bonuses) even higher.
Knicks Chapter — What It Meant
Gallinari’s time with the Knicks was his NBA launchpad: drafted by them and signed for two years, he earned his initial NBA paycheck and after a stint with New York, moved on as part of trades that shaped the next leg of his career.
Though he didn’t spend the bulk of his career in New York, that early exposure helped him adapt to the NBA’s style, paving the way for subsequent lucrative contracts and long-term success across multiple franchises.
Net Worth & External Earnings
Estimates for Danilo Gallinari’s net worth vary — many place it around US $32 million as of mid-2020s, attributing it not just to his NBA contracts, but also to endorsements, investments, and off-court ventures.
His brand collaborations reportedly included a signature shoe (dubbed “The Rooster”) and modeling work, which helped supplement his basketball income.
Given his contract earnings alone, and factoring likely investments and sponsorships, many analysts consider him among the higher-earning European players in NBA history.
Personal Life — Wife & Family
Gallinari is in a long-term relationship with Eleonora Boi, a sports journalist/model.
The couple welcomed a daughter, born on December 9, 2020.
Though many media sources refer to Eleonora as his “fiancée,” their bond and shared family life have become a notable part of his off-court story.
Final Thoughts
Danilo Gallinari’s journey from a rookie draftee by the New York Knicks to a well-traveled veteran earning over US $200 million — while building a brand and a family — showcases not only his basketball talent but also sustained professional resilience.
Leave a Reply