The NBA transaction wire delivered a surprising move on Wednesday, as veteran forward Javonte Green agreed to a contract buyout with the New Orleans Pelicans in order to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The defensive specialist will provide additional wing depth for the Cavaliers, who currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Green, now in his sixth NBA season, joined the Pelicans just this past offseason as a free agent. He averaged a solid 5.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals over 21 minutes per game in New Orleans, even drawing a spot start in the team’s final game before the All-Star break.
Pelicans Grant Green’s Buyout Request
Despite Green’s consistent role in the Pelicans’ rotation, sources indicated that the 29-year-old requested a buyout in order to have a chance to compete for a championship contender. With young stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram ahead of him on the depth chart, Green likely saw limited paths to a larger role or playing time.
From the Pelicans’ perspective, granting the buyout allows them to open up a roster spot that could be used on a younger prospect as they build around their core. Green’s $2.6 million salary also comes off their books, providing a bit of financial flexibility. New Orleans is expected to be active in the buyout market to find a replacement for Green’s minutes.
Cavaliers Pounce on Buyout Opportunity
For the Cavaliers, adding a proven veteran like Green for the minimum is a savvy move to bolster their wing rotation. They recently acquired shooting guard De’Andre Hunter from Atlanta in exchange for Caris LeVert and George Niang, but Green brings a different skill set as a versatile, hard-nosed defender.
At 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Green has the size and athleticism to credibly defend multiple positions on the perimeter. He’s a high-energy player who makes an impact with his activity even when he’s not scoring. For a Cavaliers team with championship aspirations, Green is an ideal 9th or 10th man to deploy for specific matchups and situations.
“We love Javonte’s toughness and competitive spirit. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t back down and will do whatever it takes to win. To add a player like that this late in the season is huge for us.”
– Koby Altman, Cavaliers General Manager
Green’s Path to Cleveland
After going undrafted out of Radford in 2020, Green initially caught on with the Boston Celtics. He saw limited action as a rookie but showed enough promise to earn a standard contract. Green’s breakthrough came in his third season when his minutes doubled to over 23 per game.
The Cavaliers will now be Green’s fourth team in six seasons, after previous stops in Boston, Chicago and New Orleans. His constant movement is a reflection of his skillset – while not a standout in any one area, Green is a solid role player who can fit in many different systems and rosters. He’s also known as a great teammate and locker room presence.
- Brings energy, defense and toughness off the bench
- Versatile wing who can guard 2-4
- 43% 3-point shooter on low volume
- Great locker room guy and teammate
Cavaliers’ Wing Depth Solidified
By adding Green and Hunter to a group that already included sharpshooter Mike Conley, defensive ace Isaac Okoro, and 3-and-D specialist Dylan Windler, the Cavaliers now have one of the deepest wing rotations in the league. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will have plenty of options to mix and match around his star trio of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Darius Garland.
More importantly, the Cavaliers have accumulated the kind of playoff-tested veterans who can excel in specific roles under the bright lights of the postseason. Both Green and Hunter have significant experience in high-stakes games and will be ready if called upon to defend the likes of Jimmy Butler or Jayson Tatum in a crucial moment.
Low-Risk, High-Reward Move for Cavs
Ultimately, the addition of Green is the kind of unheralded move that often pays huge dividends for contenders. He may not play a major role right away, but his presence gives Bickerstaff another trustworthy option if injuries or matchups necessitate a change. Green’s ability to impact the game without needing the ball in his hands is a skill that becomes even more valuable in the playoffs.
For the Cavaliers, this buyout signing is a low-risk, high-reward transaction that edges them closer to their ultimate goal. Green chose Cleveland because he saw an opportunity to contribute to a championship chase, and his hunger and experience will be welcome on a team with huge aspirations. Don’t be surprised if Green has a key role to play before the Cavs’ season is done.
