Forward Javonte Green is expected to join the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers upon completing a buyout and clearing waivers from the New Orleans Pelicans, according to a report on Wednesday night.
Cleveland would be the fourth team in Green’s six-year NBA career. ESPN’s report cited unnamed league sources. The Cavaliers are tied for the league lead with 44 wins. Cleveland resumes play after the All-Star break with back-to-back games — at the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday and home to face the New York Knicks on Friday.
In 50 games this season, Green is averaging 5.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 21.8 minutes. In his last game with the Pelicans, however, when he started in place of Zion Williamson (rest), Green played a season-high 34 minutes. He collected nine points, seven rebounds and five steals in a win over the Sacramento Kings.
Green is shooting 44.6 percent from the field, under his career mark of 51.9 percent. In 245 games, 73 as a starter, he is averaging 5.5 points, 3.2 boards and 1.1 steals in 21.8 minutes.
He divided his first five seasons between the Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls before signing a one-year contract with the Pelicans in August.