CLEVELAND, OH - February 24, 2011 - The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired center Semih Erden and forward Luke Harangody from the Boston Celtics in exchange for a second round pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant announced today. The Cavaliers also waived forward Leon Powe.
“Semih and Luke are two young players that we’ve liked dating back to their respective drafts. Each has worked hard, continued to grow and proven themselves on the court this season,” said Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant. “Luke and Semih also understand what winning culture is about and we’re happy to have them as part of our team. We look forward to their continued growth with us.”
Erden, 24, has played in 37 games (seven starts) this season, averaging 4.1 points on .598 shooting and 2.9 rebounds in 14.4 minutes per game. The 7-foot, 240-pound rookie from Turkey was selected with the 60th overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft. He has seven seasons of international experience, playing the last five seasons (2005-2010) with Fenerbache Ulker Istanbul of the Turkish League.
With the Celtics during the 2010-11 season, he scored in double figures on four occasions and grabbed seven or more rebounds in five games this season. Semih Erden (pronounced SEM-ee Err-DEN) posted a season-high 14 points on a perfect 5-5 shooting and added seven rebounds in 30 minutes versus Utah on Jan. 21st.
Harangody, 23, is averaging 2.3 points on .394 shooting and 2.0 rebounds in 8.6 minutes per game in 28 games (zero starts). He was selected with the 52nd overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft after receiving All-American honors and being an All-BIG EAST First Team Selection in three consecutive seasons (2008-2010), including being named BIG EAST Player of the Year in 2008, in four seasons at Notre Dame. The 6-foot-8, 246-pound power forward recorded his first NBA career double-double with 17 points on 8-11 shooting (.727) and 11 rebounds versus Toronto on Jan. 7th.
The 2013 second round pick headed to Boston was acquired by the Cavaliers from Minnesota on July 26, 2010 along with Ramon Sessions and Ryan Hollins in exchange for Sebastian Telfair and Delonte West.
Powe has played in 34 games (five starts) for the Cavaliers since being signed as a free agent before the 2009-10 season and averaged 4.4 points on .463 shooting and 2.9 rebounds in 12.4 minutes per game.
“We thank Leon for his contributions on and off the court and our entire organization wishes him and his family the best in the future,” said Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant.