Cleveland Cavaliers restricted free agent Semih Erden will play next season in Turkey, according to Cleveland sports blog Waiting For Next Year.
Erden, a 7-foot center, will play for Anadolu Efes, based in his hometown of Istanbul.
Erden was Mr. Irrelevant of the 2008 draft, going No. 30 in the second round to the Boston Celtics. He didn't make it to the NBA until the 2010-11 season, when he played 37 games for Boston before being traded to Cleveland in February 2011.
During the 2011-12 season, his lone full year in Cleveland, Erden appeared in 28 games and averaged 12 minutes, 3.5 points and 2.6 rebounds.
The 25-year-old had a season-high 18 points in a February 15 win over the Indiana Pacers.
According to Waiting For Next Year, the Cavs' right to match offers for Erden only applies to NBA teams -- not Turkish ones. Should Erden return to the NBA, the Cavs would have matching rights.
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