Former LA Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari isn't done talking about ex-teammate, and the influence Kawhi Leonard had in the organization's blockbuster trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder for Paul George. After Gallinari blasted Leonard for the Clippers' recent scandal, suggesting George pay the $50 million punishment handed down by the NBA for circumventing the salary cap, he reflected on the trade that sent him to the Thunder.

Gallinari says his trade from the Clippers was the first time a player had a say in moving him, he revealed, per To The Baha podcast.

“That was the first time where I got traded not because of an owner or GM or coach situation or request. It was clearly a player request that didn't like what he saw. He wanted his friend or whatever relationship was there with Paul George, and so that was what I didn't like. I didn't say anything bad.”

Gallinari officially retired from the NBA in 2025. He split the final season of his career with the Washington Wizards, the Detroit Pistons, and the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023-24.

Danilo Gallinari calls out Kawhi Leonard after Clippers scandal

Article Continues Below

Former Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari didn't hold back on Kawhi Leonard, following the NBA's punishment for salary cap circumvention, which resulted in a hefty fine, losing five first-round picks, and one-year suspension. For Gallinari, Leonard, whose trade to the Raptors was made official, should pay owner Steve Ballmer's $50 million fine, for his involvement in the scandal.

Although Leonard was slapped with a $700,000 fine, Gallinari says the All-Star forward should be the one footing Ballmer's $50 million bill, he said, per A Cresta Alta Podcast.

“He should pay all of that $50 million,” Gallinari said. “He changed the trajectory of my career and put me in a difficult situation by sending me away from Los Angeles.”

After Gallinari posted some of his best numbers with the Thunder, averaging 18.7 points on 43.4% shooting, including 40.5% from deep, and 5.2 rebounds, an ACL injury derailed his two-year tenure with the Hawks in 2022-23.