As the February 6th trade deadline inches closer, rumors are heating up. The Boston Celtics aren’t expected to make a major trade. Nonetheless, a minor trade appears to be in the cards for the Celtics ahead of the deadline. Javonte Green is one player who has frequently been mentioned as a Celtics trade target.
After a recent game against Green and the New Orleans Pelicans, rumors of a Green-Celtics reunion have continued to grow. Notably, Green chipped in 10 points, four rebounds, and two steals in a one-point loss to the Celtics. His performance against the Celtics could make a trade more likely. Let’s examine the possibility of Boston trading for Green and how he would impact the team.
Celtics Could Reunite With Former Wing Javonte Green at the Trade Deadline
Green spent his first two seasons with the Celtics before being traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2021. Before the Celtics-Pelicans game, Green was seen talking with his former coach, now Celtics general manager Brad Stevens. Green and Stevens’ pre-game conversation certainly adds to the trade speculation. While the two obviously didn’t discuss a trade per NBA tampering rules, it’s clear they have a good relationship, which could ultimately lead to a trade.
And former Celtic Javonte Green catches up with Brad Stevens
pic.twitter.com/5EPTjPollF
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) January 12, 2025
Green’s Impact on the Celtics
Green is an athletic 6-foot-4 wing with a knack for defense and hustle. He would provide the Celtics with an energy spark off the bench and is someone the team can trust with rotational minutes off the bench. Given that Sam Hauser is having a somewhat of a down season and Jordan Walsh hasn’t become a mainstay in the Celtics’ rotation, acquiring Green for more wing depth is logical.
Furthermore, Green is a solid shooter with a career three-point percentage of 35 on 1.3 attempts per game. Green isn’t a knockdown shooter by any means, however, as a spot-up shooter in Boston’s elite offense, he would be a quality contributor. On the season, Green is averaging 21.2 minutes, 6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, and 1.6 stocks with shooting splits of 46.3/36.6/76.1. These stats may not jump off the page, however, as an experienced wing and versatile defender, Green would make a positive impact in limited rotational minutes for the Celtics.
Why a Green Trade Makes Sense for Both Sides
The Celtics have shown a willingness to reunite with old players this includes re-acquiring big men Daniel Theis and Luke Kornet. As a second-apron team, the Celtics have limited options to upgrade their roster at the trade deadline. Given this, Green’s one-year $2 million contract makes him an ideal target for the Celtics. After the season, Boston may opt not to re-sign Green as Walsh or Baylor Scheierman could be ready for more minutes. However, acquiring a wing at the deadline to provide solid spot rotation minutes should be a priority for Boston.
With an 8-32 record, the Pelicans sit at the bottom of the Western Conference and are looking to move off their win-now talent. As a result, this trade would be logical for both teams. The Celtics could either offer Jaden Springer or a second-round pick to land Green. Landing a young guard like Springer or some draft capital would be ideal for the now rebuilding Pelicans. Notably, trading Springer would give the Celtics some cap relief. Amid a shaky 7-6 stretch, a minor trade for Green could help get the Celtics back on track.
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