Cavs sign Javonte Green on buyout market

Cavs add more wing depth.

ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Javonte Green is securing a buyout agreement with the New Orleans Pelicans and plans to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers upon his release. This is another quality pickup for the Cavs in a matter of two weeks.

Green has played six seasons in the NBA, averaging 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in his most meaningful role with the Chicago Bulls (2022). He’s a 31-year-old wing who plays much bigger than his listed height of 6’5”. Strong athleticism and a 7’0” wingspan help him in this department.

The Cavs can expect Green to give them productive minutes at the backend of their rotation. His motor is always running and he’s been one of the better positional rebounders in the NBA throughout his career. His defensive impact has been bludgeoned on a struggling Pelicans team but Green should seamlessly fit into Cleveland’s defensive needs.

He doesn’t offer as much offensively. Green is a limited three-point shooter — although, he has gradually improved in this regard. He began his career as a complete non-threat from deep (27%) but has been shooting 35.8% on 1.7 attempts per game since 2021. Green won’t draw much attention from behind the arch but at least he is capable of hitting shots now and again.

Most importantly, Green’s physical build is everything the Cavs have been searching for. He brings athleticism to a bench that has been lacking in that department for multiple years. And, he’s another able body who can eat minutes during the home stretch of the regular season.

Cleveland has done a fine job polishing their roster this month. They recently traded for a two-way wing in De’Andre Hunter, in addition to signing G League standout Nae’Qwan Tomlin to a 10-day contract just hours before adding Green. With Dean Wade’s return potentially on the horizon — the Cavs wing depth has gone from paper-thin to mighty respectable overnight.