Charlie V likes thought of joining LeBron
By Charles F. Gardner of the Journal Sentinel
Jun. 3, 2009
Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva made the rounds at ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Conn., on Wednesday, taking part in the morning First Take program, doing a chat with ESPN Deportes and also speaking with interviewer Freddie Coleman on the Tirico & Van Pelt Show on ESPN Radio.
It's clear that Villanueva is well aware of the Bucks' difficulties in trying to re-sign him this summer, when he will be a restricted free agent. It's possible the Bucks won't even be able to make a one-year qualifying offer of $4.6 million, which they are required to do by June 30 if they want to retain the right to match offers by other clubs.
Bucks general manager John Hammond has stated the team will not exceed the luxury tax level to re-sign its free agents.
Villanueva was asked what he thought about the possibility of joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are expected to make some lineup changes after being ousted by Orlando in six games in the Eastern Conference finals. The Cavs were bitterly disappointed at falling short of the Finals after posting the best regular-season mark in the NBA with 66 victories.
"I understand the situation Milwaukee is in financially," Villanueva told Coleman. "They don't want to go over the cap or what not (actually the luxury tax level). Whatever team decides to make the best offer, I'm going to think about it.
"Cleveland definitely is not a bad spot. I've played with LeBron. I played with LeBron in the McDonald's All-American Game, and we played well together. Is there a possibility? Yes. Will it happen? Time will tell."
Coleman asked Villanueva if he could be a difference-maker in helping Cleveland reach the NBA Finals.
"I think I would be able to help out a lot," Villanueva said, "just the fact I bring my versatility and create mismatch problems. One of the reasons Orlando is in the Finals is because of Rashard Lewis. They have a legitimate big man (Dwight Howard) that demands attention, and they surround him with guys that can play on the perimeter."
James desperately needed some scoring help against Orlando, and former Bucks guard Mo Williams and the other Cavs struggled to provide it. The Cavs also were unable to defend effectively against Howard and could be searching for help in the post.
They also may lose power forward Anderson Varejao, who has a player option for next season. If Varejao does not return, that could free up money to spend on a free agent.
Villanueva was asked about his take on the Finals, and he said not to count out Orlando, although he picked the Los Angeles Lakers to win in seven games.
"I think this series will go all the way down to 7," Villanueva said. "A lot of people want to have Orlando as an underdog, but they're a team that surprised a lot of people, beating Boston and beating Cleveland. They beat Cleveland pretty bad.
"I always love going for the underdog; I want Orlando to win. But experience and No. 24 (Kobe Bryant), it's tough to pass on that."
