It has been a quiet offseason for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they have been trying hard to acquire talent even though they are financially limited. Kyle Korver and Jose Calderon have basically been the only notable moves so far this offseason. Aside from those two, they have merely been mentioned in plenty of rumors but haven’t been able to get anything done.
Thankfully, they were able to agree to terms with Orlando Magic forward Jeff Green on Friday afternoon. Green has agreed to sign a one-year, $2.3 million deal with Cleveland, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
Where does Green fit in with the Cavaliers?
Last season for Orlando, Green averaged 9.2 points and 3.1 rebounds off the bench. He is expected to play the same role in Cleveland where the 30-year-old can provide much-needed length and athleticism at the three and four spots. Green’s versatility will also be crucial for Cleveland. If needed, he can play the four position, and the Cavaliers can go to a lineup of Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, LeBron James, Green, and Kevin Love, which creates a ton of floor spacing.
If Green can remain consistent, he can become very serviceable offensively and would take minutes away from Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye, if he returns for another season. In a way, Green is the replacement for Derrick Williams, who was brought in midway through last season.
Fortunately, Green has more experience and plays with more consistency.
Getting to know Green
Over the last three seasons, Green has traveled around the league. He has played for the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, and Magic. He started off his career in Oklahoma City and was part of their rebuilding process until the Thunder decided to part ways with him, trading Green to Boston in a deal that brought Kendrick Perkins to OKC.
When he got to Boston, Green had to unfortunately undergo heart surgery, which caused him to miss an entire season. Luckily, he fully recovered and was able to continue his career. Green’s biggest moment came against his new teammate, LeBron James. When he was with the Celtics, the nine-year veteran knocked down a difficult corner three to defeat James and the Miami Heat.
The greatest thing about this signing for Cleveland is that they got Green at good value. It still gives them the opportunity to chase other veteran free agents like Jamal Crawford, who has been linked to the Cavaliers.
