The Detroit Pistons’ signing of Javonte Green didn’t shake the foundations of the NBA, but it was a value signing that looks even better after full details of the contract were announced, as it is only partially guaranteed.
I wrote about the hidden benefits of the Green signing already, as he’s a relentless defender who will push everyone in practice, even if he never steps on the floor in the regular season.
He also provides valuable insurance and flexibility as a lowball contract that could be easily traded if they need extra money or bodies to match a contract in a big deal.
His contract looks even better after Mike Scotto announced that Green’s veteran’s minimum deal is only partially guaranteed. The Pistons will owe him at least $925,000 but he’ll have to earn the rest through incentives.
Green is a journeyman who had to battle just to get into the NBA after playing for years overseas and toiling in the G-League. He’s a guy who has had to work for every penny he’s earned in the league, so I wouldn’t bet against him hitting those incentives.
Javonte Green is a no-risk signing for the Detroit Pistons
I love players like Green who get after it on defense, and he’ll be an asset to the Pistons’ roster even if he doesn’t play big minutes.
But I wouldn’t rule him out of rotation minutes either, as there is a 10th spot open and he’ll be competing against the likes of Marcus Sasser for those fringe minutes. Given Green’s defense and versatility, he might have an edge here even though he’s not much of a scorer.
Green can defend four positions, and the Pistons don’t have a true backup power forward, so we could see him get some limited run there against certain teams.
Green’s full contract is estimated at $2.2 million and we don’t know what he has to do to get all of it, but this has a chance to be one of his biggest paydays in the NBA, as well as a chance to solidify himself as an NBA rotation player, so you know Green is coming into training camp as motivated as anyone.
This deal represents next to no risk for the Pistons, as they can cut or trade him at any time, but if he works out, he’ll be a low-cost addition to the roster who fits perfectly with the culture they are trying to build.