Charlie Wants Out!
Don’t Let the Door…
Last year at this time, Charlie Villanueva was asked if he was planning to pick up his player option for $8.5 million. He replied, “Would you let that money go?” Case closed.
Immediately after the trade deadline last Thursday, February 20th, forward Charlie Villanueva was asked about the possibility of receiving a buyout from the Pistons. Let it be known that Villanueva is all about the money, or this doesn’t happen. In order for a buyout to occur, he would negotiate with Pistons’ brass to figure out a lower number to say good-bye to him, with the sole reason for him to be eligible to be picked up by a playoff contending team.
Today, there’s chatter that he’s seeing the Houston Rockets as a good match. It will be interesting to see if the feelings are mutual.
Dumars and Gores may see it as a way to reduce the money the Pistons would have to spend on him. They may also be smirking the whole way, wondering what team would sign him. Would they save enough to pick up a D-League player they may have their eye on and give him a shot for the rest of the year?
Villanueva is only 29, but acts like he aches with every step. He has only been in the league for nine seasons (1 with Toronto, 3 with Milwaukee, 5 with Detroit). I can’t imagine he would be signed to anything more than the veteran minimum next year. He was found to be a nice compliment to Andre Drummond last year by stretching the floor, and has barely played (8.9 minutes over 14 games).
It is doubtful he will be given much time in the remaining games. It would be better in the long run if the Pistons could save some money and give his minutes to rookies, Gigi Datome, or Tony Mitchell.
Should the Pistons buyout Charlie Villanueva’s contract?
Share your thoughts!
