The Cleveland Cavaliers are turning to an old foe to try to help them win a championship this year.
Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Wednesday that veteran forward Javonte Green has secured a buyout from the New Orleans Pelicans and intends to sign with the Cavaliers upon clearing waivers.
Green, 31, is a defense-first player who can be deployed at both wing positions. In 50 appearances this season for the Pelicans, Green was averaging 5.8 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in under 22 minutes per game. He is also a career 34.7 percent three-point shooter and has impressive length at 6-foot-5 with a 7-foot wingspan.
A former undrafted player who had stints in Spain, Italy, and Germany to begin his professional career, Green kicked off his NBA career with the Eastern Conference rival Boston Celtics, playing for them from 2019-21. He then went on to join the Chicago Bulls over two separate stints before becoming a Pelican this season.
As for the Cavaliers, they are first in the East at 44-10, which is also tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best overall record in the NBA. Under their first-year head coach Kenny Atkinson, Cleveland is currently staring at their best chance to win a championship ever since LeBron James’ departure. In addition to now picking up Green, the Cavaliers made a big trade ahead of the deadline for another impact forward.
Green’s “claim to fame” at this point of his NBA career might be the time that he was kicked in the head by New York’s Josh Hart during a game. But Green should now be able to play a consequential role off the bench for Cleveland as they look ahead to a deep playoff run this season.
