Cavs get Williams, lighten LeBron's load

Mo Williams hasn’t been a Cavalier for long, but he already knows his role: Take some pressure off LeBron James and help Cleveland win a championship.

Just after James led the U.S. to a spot in the medal round at the Olympics in Beijing, Williams told reporters on a teleconference that he can help the Cavaliers superstar.

The Cavaliers acquired Williams from Milwaukee in a three-team trade in which Cleveland sent guard Damon Jones to the Bucks and forward Joe Smith to Oklahoma City.

Williams, who averaged 17.2 points per game last season, gives the Cavaliers a player who can create his own shot, push the ball in transition and give the team a more dynamic look on offense, Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said.

James was forced to carry the Cavaliers offense last season, which ended in a Game 7 loss to Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals. It was a step back for the franchise after making its first trip to NBA finals a year earlier.

With two years left on James’ contract, the Cavaliers have been under pressure to find a player to complement their star. James was clearly frustrated after the defeat to Boston in Game 7, saying, “We need to continue to get better. We know that if that means some personnel changes need to happen, then so be it.”

One criticism of Williams has been his defense, something that has been the Cavaliers’ strength since Brown took over three seasons ago.

“My actions are going to speak louder than my words,” Williams said. “I know what it takes to win and it’s no secret it takes defense to win.”

Williams, who has five years left on a six-year, $51.5 million contract, acknowledged he was surprised that Milwaukee traded him. He jokingly offered his house to pitcher C.C. Sabathia—traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Milwaukee Brewers last month.

Williams played four seasons for the Bucks after being drafted out of Alabama in the second round by the Utah Jazz in 2003. The Bucks finished at the bottom of the Central division in each of those years, but Williams had only good things to say about his time there.

Williams sounded eager to play alongside a guy who’s helping the United States re-establish itself as an international powerhouse in basketball.

Asked what the Cavaliers’ goals will be for the upcoming season, Williams sounded like he’s been part of the culture there for years.

“There’s only one goal … it’s to win the championship,” Williams said. “You come in from the first day and start right now.”