NBA Rumors: Ex-Celtics Wing Joining Boston’s Biggest Title Threat In East

The Boston Celtics trail only the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference, and the biggest threat to dethroning the reigning champs got a bit stronger.

Javonte Green, a former Celtics forward, agreed to a buyout with the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. Green intends to sign with the Cavaliers next. Green averaged 5.8 points and 3.6 rebounds, shooting 44.6% from the field across 50 appearances, including 18 starts while logging 21.8 minutes this season. The 31-year-old played a season-high 34 minutes for the Pelicans, scoring nine points and grabbing seven rebounds with five assists against the Sacramento Kings in the final game before the All-Star break.

Green joins forward De’Andre Hunter, who the Cavaliers acquired from the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline, as Cleveland’s depth addition duo. It’s yet another win for Cleveland as head coach Kenny Atkinson gains bench scoring from Green, paired alongside Hunter’s much-needed size, to an already dominant Cavaliers squad. It’ll allow Cleveland to bolster its second unit while also giving Green, a current NBA journeyman, a chance to showcase his growth on a championship contender.

For the Celtics, their title defense might’ve just gotten a little more difficult. Boston has struggled relative to the record-breaking standard it set last season, and due to being a second-apron team, the C’s weren’t able to get involved in the trade market. They dealt away guard Jaden Springer and picked up free agent Torrey Craig, but that still doesn’t match the work Cleveland’s done to challenge them so far.

Boston signed Green entering the 2019-20 season, giving him his first NBA gig. Green proceeded to play two seasons with the Celtics, developing a tight bond with franchise star Jayson Tatum, before Boston traded the undrafted product in a three-team deal involving the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards in 2021. Boston acquired Moritz Wagner and current backup center Luke Kornet in the trade while Green played four seasons with the Bulls, getting 19.3 minutes a night of playing time.

Cleveland is aiming to lock in the No. 1 seed in the East while Boston is striving to put forth a second-half run to catch up. The Celtics took two of their first three regular-season matchups against the Cavaliers with one final marquee battle scheduled for Feb. 28. Boston will host Green and Cleveland for the finale at TD Garden before the two likely cross paths again once the playoffs begin and the C’s officially begin their quest for Banner 19.