DENVER (AP) – A person familiar with the negotiations says smooth-shooting forward Danilo Gallinari and the Denver Nuggets have agreed to a four-year, roughly $42 million extension.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the extension hasn’t been announced.

CBSSports first reported the deal.

Gallinari has been a steady presence on the floor for the Nuggets since being acquired in the blockbuster deal that sent Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks last February.

The 23-year-old from Italy is averaging 17.4 points this season for the Nuggets, who have the second-best record in the Western Conference despite not having a bona fide superstar.

In an email to the AP, Gallinari said he really likes Denver and that it was “easy to make this decision.”

- By Pat Graham, AP Sports Writer

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