The Cleveland Cavaliers added to their first-place team by signing Javonte Green after his buyout with the New Orleans Pelicans. The 31-year-old agreed to a buyout with Western Conference bottom feeders in the Pelicans, joining the creme de la creme of the East. Green, formerly a long-time Chicago Bull, is a year removed from playing just nine games with the Bulls last season. Green has played in 50 games this season, averaging 5.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals, while shooting 44.6% from the field and 35.2% from three off the bench. He will join a now-loaded Cavs wing bench.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Javonte Green has agreed to a contract buyout and intends to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers upon clearing waivers, sources tell ESPN. Additional wing depth for the East-best Cavs. pic.twitter.com/oi21Chsddk
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2025
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Cavs Sign Veteran Wing Javonte Green After Buyout With Pelicans
Cleveland had an open roster spot after acquiring De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline. With Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro sidelined due to injuries, the Cavaliers needed another wing. Green fills that gap, giving the team another versatile defender and capable rebounder. Furthermore, adding wing depth will be vital to better match up with the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.
The former Radford Highlander has played in 245 career games, averaging 5.5 points and 3.2 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per game. Despite being 6-foot-4, he rebounds well for his position. Last season, he grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds against the Knicks. His defensive skills align perfectly with Cleveland’s off-ball defensive schemes. Additionally, Green will have two months to settle in before the playoffs.
Impact On The Cavs
This move is crucial for the Cavs as they head into the latter stretch of the season. Green will no doubt add depth to a currently depleted Cleveland bench, but he will also provide solid minutes when called upon in the postseason. The Cavs’ starting five is set for the foreseeable future with the addition of Hunter. The Cleveland front office had been rumored to be interested in the buyout market. Ben Simmons was a buyout target for the Cavs before he signed with the Clippers. The Cavs’ rumored interest in the buyout market was proven true with Green joining the team just a week after Simmons signed.
The Cavs’ wing rotation heading into the playoffs will look something like Wade, Okoro, Hunter, Sam Merrill, Max Strus, and Green. This rotation brings versatility along with a ton of shooting. Cleveland now has the wing depth to match their biggest threat, the Celtics. Notably, Green started his career in Boston.
The Last Word
While this is not a headline move for the Cavs, it is certainly an important one. This move bolsters Cleveland’s bench as the team prepares for a deep playoff run. The signing of Green will add even more experience to a promising Cavs roster. As a rebounder and athletic wing off the bench, Green projects to be a perfect fit.
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