Cavs to sign 3-time NBA champ Green after clearing waivers

Danny Green will sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers once the free agent swingman and three-time NBA champion clears waivers, a person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press.

Green, who began his pro career with Cleveland in 2009, is expected to rejoin the Cavs in the next two days, said the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team is not commenting on its interest in him.

Green drew interest from several contending teams but chose to rejoin the Cavs, who will add another outside shooter, a valued veteran and player with extensive postseason experience. Green has appeared in 165 playoff games over 14 seasons.

While his agent was talking with the Cavs, Green posted about his status on Twitter, saying, “It’s not done yet … .”

Cavaliers All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell then posted a “welcome back” video of Green dancing on the sideline during his first stint with Cleveland.

The Cavs haven’t been to the playoffs since 2018, but are poised to return for the first time since LeBron James left after four straight Finals appearances.

Cleveland has won six straight and currently is the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference standings.

Green became available after working out a contract buyout from Houston, which acquired him at the trade deadline from Memphis. He played in just three games with the Grizzlies this season after tearing knee ligaments during the playoffs last season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

ELSEWHERE Pelicans:

New Orleans All-Star Zion Williamson has aggravated his previously injured right hamstring, extending the timeline for his return to “multiple weeks past All-Star break,” said basketball operations chief David Griffin.

Griffin said Williamson, who has been averaging 26 points per game this season, had progressed to the point where he was able to participate in 3on-3 drills in practice and was on the court when he experienced his setback.

When asked how Williamson handled the setback emotionally, Griffin said, “it’s fair to say not terribly well because he was really diligent in his rehab.”

Warriors: Newly acquired guard Gary Payton II will be out for at least a month as he fully recovers from offseason surgery for a core muscle injury, and Golden State general manager Bob Myers is awaiting a decision from the NBA on whether the Trail Blazers withheld anything on Payton’s health before trading him.