The NBA free-agent pool just got more intriguing when the Milwaukee Bucks announced they would not extend a qualifying offer to forward Charlie Villanueva, making the former UConn standout an unrestricted free agent.The Bucks can still re-sign Villanueva but cannot match any other offer, as they would have had the right to if he were a restricted free agent. Villanueva is a player who has never been able to stay consistently healthy or find a comfort zone with his previous two teams -- Milwaukee and Toronto.
But a look at Villanueva's numbers tell NBA teams that he has a place somewhere in the league. He averaged 16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds in less than 27 minutes per game. That's 0.6 points per minute, on the same scoring pace as Portland's Brandon Roy, and Villanueva doesn't turn 25 until August.
"Well, I would like to thank my Milwaukee fans, for 3 great years, and Senator Kohl, but my journey in Milwaukee has come to a end," he said via Twitter about 6 p.m. EDT. "Now its on Gods hands, where will I end up, only time will tell."
Of course, the Bucks are trying to save money, shedding the contract of Richard Jefferson last week in a trade with San Antonio. Fabricio Oberto, acquired from the Spurs, was dealt to Detroit for Amir Johnson, potentially the heir apparent to Villanueva. Meanwhile, the Bucks offered contracts to point guard Ramon Sessions and 2005 second-round pick Ersan Ilyasova, who has played the past two years in Spain.
Villanueva could be a good addition to a club looking for a scorer and difficult defensive matchup. The 6-foot-11 Villanueva is more of a swingman, which have become popular with the emergence of the Orlando Magic.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Welcome to the real world Charlie Villanueva. These guys don't get it. There's a recession and team are dumping salaries and pick up expiring contracts, lower paid younger players or saving their money for future freeagents. Look at thge pattern, Marcus Camby, Shaq, Baron Davis, Vince Carter, not re-signing Hedo, even Pau Gasol was a salary dump. Players like Villanueva and even Hedo who have one or two good years and think they're onna get franchise money are getting thier feelings hurt. It'll be real interesting to watch Hedo and Villanueva scramble for contracts when they find out how short the money is. They both had the opportunity to stay home, they screwed up.
Turkoglu is going to do just fine money-wise, twit....you're going to look like the idiot when you see the contract he will get....and unlike CV, he was a crucial part of the NBA Eastern conference championship team...
http://www.lolsports.com/nba/2009-nba-draft/
great article about the draft.
Hedo wants 50 million over five years d57fan. I guarantee he won't get it. If he does, I will eat my words, but when he does'nt I don't that I'll find you. Of course he'll "do fine" you missed the point. The point is teams are making moves primarily based on budget concerns and the players and agents don't realize or accept that. By the way... what is a twit, please refrain from name calling and focus on analyzing the comments, you're showing immaturity.
i think he can get it but for 3 years garanteed last year team buyout, and 4 year depending on numbers
Hedo opted out,Charlie was not extended a qualifying offer.So,I don't hardly think CV is trying to break the bank here.I would look for the Cavs to go after this guy hard if possible,but it won't be for a ton of money.