New Orleans Pelicans forward Javonte Green has agreed to a contract buyout and intends to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers upon clearing waivers, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.
The expected deal provides additional wing depth for the Eastern Conference-best Cavaliers, and it comes after they landed forward De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks in a trade for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, future second-round picks and pick swaps at the deadline.
Green would provide Cleveland with another wing option against the Celtics’ duo of superstar wings, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The buyout comes after Green played a season-high 34 minutes for the Pelicans in their final game before the All-Star break. Green started in place of a resting Zion Williamson and had nine points, seven rebounds, five steals and two assists in an overtime win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.
Green joined the Pelicans as a free agent in August and has averaged 5.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals this season. He is ranked second on the team in both total blocks and steals this season.
The Cavaliers will be the fourth team for Green in his sixth NBA season. He is averaging 5.5 points and 3.2 rebounds in his career.