A Chicago Bulls fan favorite has found a new home.
According to Shams Charania of AthleticJavonte Green is finalizing a one-year deal with New Orleans. The high-upside forward will immediately provide the Pelicans with defensive versatility, offensive rebounding and off-ball athleticism. The signing comes one season after Green played nine games with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 12.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 steals.
The Bulls’ season opener on October 23 will now be a Javonte Green rematch. Yes, I’m scared.
Javonte Green heading to Pelicans
Green spent much of the 2023-24 season in the G-League. After struggling with injuries the previous year, Chicago opted not to bring him back as they looked to retool their supporting cast. Green struggled to find a new home and ended up with the Santa Cruz Warriors. After looking healthy with the affiliate, the Bulls came calling and offered him a 10-day contract in late March.
After immediately contributing to his returnThe Bulls were quick to make room for the 31-year-old on their active roster. Green signed with the organization for the remainder of the season. April 4, 2024. Two days later, he would score a career-high 25 points He shot 10 of 14 from the field and grabbed 13 rebounds. What’s even more impressive is that he did it against a Knicks team that had a top-10 defense and the best rebounding percentage in the NBA.
If Green has proven anything in his few weeks back in the big leagues, it’s that he deserves a permanent roster spot. The New Orleans Pelicans have now given him that opportunity. And, all things considered, I think it’s a very solid place to land.
Green’s skills are worthy of a playoff contender. While he’s not guaranteed a spot in the rotation, he’s a perfect change-of-pace replacement and can play a variety of styles. If they want to turn defense into offense in transition, Green can do his part alongside Dejounte Murray. If the Pelicans need to slow things down with point guard Zion Williamson, Green will be active in the half court and find opportunities to get the ball in.
Seriously, as far as late-season signings go, this one feels like a win for New Orleans. Every winning team needs a role player like Green, a Swiss Army knife. Plus, as Pelicans fans will quickly learn, when you sign one Javonte Green…you actually get five!
