The Washington Wizards will be the latest team to take a flyer on Jeff Green, while the former Georgetown forward will get a chance to redeem his career at home.
The Wizards, according to multiple reports, agreed Tuesday to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with Green, who spent last season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Hyattsville, Maryland native played for the Hoyas from 2004-07.
Green, drafted fifth overall in 2007 by the Seattle Supersonics, has had a turbulent journey in the NBA. After looking like a potential star alongside Kevin Durant in Seattle (and later Oklahoma City), the 31-year-old has bounced around the league.
The Wizards will be Green’s seventh franchise— with the 6-foot-9 forward also playing for the Sonics/Thunder, Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic and the Cavaliers.
Green’s career became in jeopardy in 2012 when he required open-heart surgery, causing him to miss the entire 2011-12 season.
But Green bounced back. This season, he averaged 10.8 points in 23.4 minutes per game. His best moment came in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals, scoring 19 points on 50 percent shooting (7-of-14).
The Wizards, who are paying Green the veteran minimum, will likely use Green as a stretch four. That position became a need after free agent Mike Scott agreed to a one-year deal with the Clippers.
Green is the Wizards’ first signing in free agency. Washington also claimed center Thomas Bryant off waivers Monday from the Los Angeles Lakers.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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