The Chicago Bulls’ wing, Javonte Green, has signed a contract with the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2024-2025 season. According to NBA insiders Shams Charania and Will Guillory of The Athletic, the Pelicans have strategically chosen to bolster their roster by adding an experienced wing, with the deal reportedly being a guaranteed minimum contract. This move has garnered attention around the league, as Green could significantly impact the Pelicans’ rotation, especially after his impressive stint with the Chicago Bulls.
The agreement is particularly notable because Green, despite going undrafted, has made the most of his opportunities in the NBA. With this guaranteed one-year deal, he aims to prove his worth and secure a spot on a team that continues to seek stability and depth.
The signing, announced by Charania and Guillory on social media platform X, highlights the Pelicans’ commitment to enhancing their lineup with versatile players who have league experience.
Javonte Green’s Time in the NBA
Javonte Green’s NBA journey is a testament to his perseverance and continuous growth as a player. After being passed over in the 2015 Draft and spending a short time playing in Europe, Green showcased his determination to make it to the NBA by joining the Boston Celtics in 2019.
While with the Celtics, Green quickly made a name for himself with his energy and defensive prowess, which eventually led to his trade to the Chicago Bulls in 2021 as part of a three-team deal.
In Chicago, Green’s role became more defined, particularly during the 2021-2022 season when he averaged 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds over 65 games, starting in 45 of them. Despite his solid contributions, his contract expired in 2023.
After a brief stint with the Golden State Warriors, Green re-signed with the Bulls towards the end of the 2023-2024 season. He made a strong impact during this period, highlighted by a standout performance where he scored 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds against the New York Knicks, reaffirming his ability to influence the game on both ends of the court.
However, as the Bulls shifted their focus towards rebuilding for the 2024-2025 season, Green’s role no longer aligned with their plans, leaving him a free agent. This move underscores the Bulls’ strategy to prioritize young talent as they aim to build a competitive roster. At 31 years old and with five seasons of NBA experience, Green’s age may have played a role in the decision.
Over his 195 NBA games, Javonte Green has averaged 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, with an impressive 54.1% shooting percentage from the field, showcasing his efficiency in close-range situations.
