Cavs Officially Sign Javonte Green: ‘He’ll Go Against 7-footers, No Problem’

February 23, 2025

As expected, the Cavaliers have officially announced the signing of guard/forward Javonte Green, adding another veteran wing to their depth chart.

Of course, if you ask many around the NBA, Green can play some power forward, too. While he’s listed at 6-foot-4, he comes with a willingness to mix it up underneath.

“He’ll go against 7-footers, no problem,” one rival front-office man told Hoops Wire.

Green, 31, has appeared in 50 games with the Pelicans this season, making 18 starts. He is averaging 5.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 21.8 minutes per game, shooting 35.2% from beyond the arc. Green and New Orleans reached agreement on a contract buyout on Thursday.

While many assumed the Cavs might look to add another veteran big man, Green is renowned for his play on the low block and willingness to mix it up. He could theoretically get the minutes left behind by Caris LeVert, traded to the Hawks as part of the Hunter deal.

The Cavs (46-10) had two open roster spots after acquiring De’Andre Hunter at the trade deadline. With a February 20 deadline to return to a 14-player roster, Cleveland already signed G League big man Nae’Qwan Tomlin to a 10-day contract to fill one spot. So they did not need to make another move to add Green.

Despite the addition, the Cavs will remain under the tax line, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans will be reduced to 13 players on their roster and will have two weeks to fill at least one open spot. The most likely option is to sign two-way guard Brandon Boston, who has been a regular part of the rotation this season, to a standard contract.