Pelicans Officially Waive Javonte Green, Who Will Soon Sign With Cavs

February 21, 2025

The Pelicans have officially waived veteran guard/forward Javonte Green, the team announced in a press release. As first reported by NBA insider Shams Charania, Green plans to sign with the Cavaliers once he clears waivers.

Since he was released Thursday, he can sign with the Cavs on Saturday — or 48 hours later.

Green, 31, has appeared in 50 games 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.

His addition will provide the Cavs with an experienced wing player to bolster their bench and help with a playoff run.

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 (45-10) 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. They will not need to make another move to add Green (assuming he clears waivers).

Green, who is in the final year of a one-year, $2.4 million deal with New Orleans, likely gave up some of that salary in his buyout, with the remaining amount aligning with the veteran’s minimum contract he will sign with Cleveland for the rest of the season.

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

Once the move is finalized, 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.