Pelicans’ Javonte Green Generating Trade Interest

The New Orleans Pelicans are drawing “healthy” trade interest in veteran wing Javonte Green, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.

Green, 31, was a late addition to the Pelicans’ roster this past summer, signing a one-year, minimum-salary deal in late August after a long stint on the free-agent market.

While not initially expected to be a key contributor, Green has found himself playing a regular role for New Orleans this season, stepping in during a stretch marked by injuries to key players.

In 38 games (14 starts), he’s averaging 6.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 21.7 minutes per game. Green has posted a solid shooting line of .469 from the field, .385 from three, and .776 from the free-throw line, proving himself to be a reliable option for the Pelicans.

At 6-foot-4, Green has been effective as a versatile defender who can hold his own against bigger wings and forwards, adding to his trade appeal.

But it’s his contract that makes him especially enticing for potential suitors. Green’s deal is a minimum-salary contract, which can be acquired without needing to match salary, a key detail that opens the door for nearly every team to get in on the action.

For the Pelicans, a Green trade would serve multiple purposes. First, it could help them shave a bit off their payroll. New Orleans is currently operating about $1.4 million above the luxury tax line, a situation they’re unlikely to want to stretch further, especially with a disappointing 11-32 record.

Trading Green and replacing him with a player on a prorated minimum contract would allow the Pelicans to reduce their luxury tax burden—something they’ve avoided paying in the past.

As the trade deadline approaches, expect more teams to weigh the value of acquiring Green, who could fit in as a depth piece or a defensive specialist for any number of contenders or playoff hopefuls.

The Pelicans, meanwhile, will be looking to leverage Green’s availability to their advantage.

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