If the Bucks want to make the playoff next year, and put forward mediocre teams for years to come, Villanueva helps you do that. He puts up numbers. And if he goes somewhere and gets better numbers, fans might be kicking themselves a little bit. But Villanueva’s defense, from the little I’ve seen him (so take that with a grain of salt) seems pretty porous. Not as bad as Zack Randolph, but they look to be from similar molds from my perspective.

That’s not to say that Villanueva should simply be dumped. Just that he makes a bad first, second or third option. If he’ll take a contract that under the MLE, then you can be happy with what he brings. All players have weaknesses. But for what Villanueva is likely going to want, I don’t think he’s worth it. Also, if you’re looking for flexibility in the future in order to acquire more talented players, Villanueva’s new contract would get in the way of that.

A team like Cleveland isn’t looking for a first, second or third option. I can see why you would be worried about him going there. But Cleveland isn’t going to be able to offer him much (I’m guessing MLE at the most). Oklahoma City might be willing to offer him more, if other arrangements don’t work out (i.e Milsap). And I think Detroit will try and fry bigger fish with it’s cap space. Portland doesn’t need another Power Forward. Maybe Memphis? A probably not in Toronto, unless Bosh moves, but they already had him once, if I remember right. So an MLE deal is about the most realistic Villanueva can expect unless OKC or Memphis is interested.

Short term it might not be the most prudent of moves. Long term, I like this move for the Bucks.