Cavaliers Sign Javonte Green After Pelicans Buyout, Boosting Wing Depth

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Cavaliers are enhancing their roster ahead of the playoff stretch by signing forward Javonte Green following his contract buyout with the New Orleans Pelicans. ESPN reported on February 19, 2025, that Green intends to join the Cavaliers after he clears waivers.

The 31-year-old Green, who has played for the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and Pelicans since entering the NBA in the 2019-20 season, offers the Cavaliers added depth on the wing. He has compiled career averages of 5.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.7 assists over 245 games.

Playing this season with the Pelicans, Green appeared in 50 games, including 18 starts, averaging 5.8 points and 3.6 rebounds. Despite being part of a Pelicans squad marred by injuries, Green’s numbers reflect a steady but unspectacular contribution to the team. Critics have noted that his inability to bolster his production on an underperforming team raises some concerns.

However, the Cavaliers are not relying on Green to be a primary scorer; rather, they view him as a complementary player who can provide crucial shooting and defensive support off the bench. Green has shown versatility in guarding multiple positions, which is crucial given the defensive demands of playoff basketball. According to NBA.com, opponents have shot below their normal averages when contested by Green this season, marking him as a valuable addition to the Cavaliers’ defensive lineup.

The Cavaliers currently hold a five-and-a-half game lead over the Boston Celtics in the race for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. While Green may not drastically alter the team’s trajectory, he increases their roster depth as they look to secure home-court advantage in the playoffs.

Earlier in the season, the Cavaliers’ wing depth was seen as a significant concern, but recent efforts by the front office have addressed that issue. Green’s addition, along with previous roster moves, reflects the team’s strategy to strengthen their rotation ahead of the playoffs.

Green’s statistics this current season include shooting 44.6 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from the three-point line. Additionally, his defensive rating stands at 118, complemented by an average of 2.4 steals and 1.3 blocks in 21.8 minutes per game.

With injuries to key wing defenders Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade, Green’s defensive capabilities may prove beneficial in playoff matchups, particularly against teams like the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks. His transition to the Cavaliers is considered a low-risk move, as the team had an open roster spot following recent trade deadline activities.