BOSTON — Javonte Green surprisingly stayed put initially with the New Orleans Pelicans at the trade deadline amid a standout season. However, the veteran swingman agreed to a buyout earlier this month, setting the stage for him to join the Cleveland Cavaliers as added wing depth on the bench. The move by the former Celtics guard was not welcomed fondly by Green’s close friend and ex-teammate Jayson Tatum.
“Yeah he did,” Green said when asked whether Tatum had something to say upon learning about his decision to sign with Boston’s top East rival. “I don’t think I can say what he had to say though.”
Green played a meaningful role with the Pelicans this year, averaging 21.8 minutes per game in 50 appearances including 18 starts, posting 5.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. However, he elected to move on from the Pelicans midseason was all centered around the chance to compete for a winner.
“My decision for me even to go to the Pelicans is just being a playoff team,” Green said. “Me and [Pelicans GM David Griffin] we talked about that at the beginning and we talked about it before I made my decision. It was a hard decision, especially a player like me, a guy like me who is trying to find a ‘home.’
“I think a guy like me and the role I play comes with playing playoff basketball and being available, being the guy that every team needs. I feel like that was the main decision that made me come here.”
Green’s minimum salary made him a potential option for Boston at the wing at the trade deadline or afterwards but the team ultimately decided to go with a better wing Torrey Craig instead. The 31-year-old veteran does not hold any ill will towards Boston passing on the opportunity for a reunion.
“I’m not surprised,” Green said. “They are a good team. They feel like they know who they want. They are the defending champions so they know what it takes to win the championship. I’m not disappointed. At the end of the day, it’s a business decision.”
Green made his debut for the Cavs on Tuesday night, playing six minutes in a blowout win over Orlando. For now, he’s getting adjusted to his new home and waiting his chance to contribute on a deep Cavs roster.
“I like just being part of a winning culture,” Green said. “Just watching the guys now as winning as they are. A player like me, is just being there, watching the guys just gel together and be a part of it.”
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