Short term,
I see Gallinari as being capable enough to match Ray Allen's offensive contributions but not his defensive contributions.
But at 6-10, with good length, and with the team defense that the C's have, I think that Gallinari would be more than serviceable defensively against two guards and/or as a secondary wing defender (with Pierce taking tougher assignments when needed, which will be more often than it is with Ray). Plus Gallinari is a plus rebounder for a two guard which Ray no longer is.
I think the team will take a slight dip after the proposed trade with Gallo taking over Ray's role, but I also think Gallinari makes a large enough contribution to keep the title window open.
Well, we will just have to agree to disagree on Gallinari's talent then. I just don't see that.
Guessing here ... but I imagine we disagree just as much on Ray's talent level (particularly offensively) as Gallinari's.
I don't think Ray gives much value to the team with his ball-handling or passing, neither does Gallinari for the time being. Ray Allen is a good scorer but has been contained/limited by top teams too easily in the past year and change. Gallinari offers just as good shooting ability and almost as much scoring ability against elite teams. Against lesser teams, Ray is still a better scorer.
No, I don't think we disagree too much on Ray's talent level. I think we just disagree on Gallinari, as well as the value of continuity on a team like this. If you are going to shake things up, it better REALLY be worth it.
Ultimately, I would absolutely trade Ray straight up for Gallinari, since, even though it might be a step back this season, he would absolutely help this team in the future, and it would provide us with a lot more cap flexibility next year, so they might be more willing to take on another long term contract. I just do not think the amount Gallinari helps us in the future, makes up for taking on two massive dead weights, who would like tie Danny's hands next summer, and for the rest of this season.
Or to put it more concisely, I do not believe championship level teams can afford to carry massive dead-weight contracts, no matter what the cost.