Javonte Green’s winding path through the NBA will stop in New Orleans.
The Pelicans signed Green to a one-year guaranteed minimum contract. a story by Shams Charania of The Athletic And confirmed by other Pelicans authors.
Given the low price, this is a good addition for the Bulls. For a team that will likely play small at times next season with Zion Williamson at center, Green could help as an athletic wing who likes to play with speed and can shoot the 3 (37% from beyond the arc last season).
Green will have plenty of room on the Pelicans’ bench as long as they stay healthy. Assuming coach Willie Green lets Daniel Theis (or another center they trade for) start at the five, then CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram will start on the wing, but behind them are the two guys who deserve a lot of play: Trey Murphy III and defensive specialist Herb Jones. Jordan Hawkins will play wing minutes, Matt Ryan is also in, and Dejounte Murray could start at point but can also play off-ball as a second guard if needed. If Ingram is traded (The Pelicans tried to find a deal in the offseason, but could not), the minutes on the wings will shift and Green could be used more, but there are players in front of him that the Pelicans want to use.
Still, this is a good addition for New Orleans. Additionally, New Orleans has 15 players under contract for next season, which means their roster spots are maxed out.
