The Memphis Grizzlies will sign former Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Leon Powe for the remainder of this season.
Powe will cost Memphis a prorated minimum salary of about $200,000, and will reportedly join the Grizzlies on Friday.
The 6’8″ power forward chose Memphis over the New York Knicks, New Orleans Hornets and Miami Heat. The Grizzlies are hoping he can provide depth for their front line as they fight for their first playoff spot since 2006.
TNT’s David Aldridge posted a comment about the free agent on Twitter Thursday evening writing, “The Grizzlies are making a hard push for the playoffs and Powe will be another piece off the bench. When his knees are healthy, Powe has the size and skills to be a quality member of the second unit.”
Powe had microfracture surgery in May 2009 on torn ligaments in his left knee and had surgery again in January of this year to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, causing him to miss nearly six weeks of the season.
Cleveland reached an agreement with Powe regarding a buyout of his contract and was waived on February 24. He cleared waivers on Tuesday.
Powe was taken by Denver in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft after three seasons at the University of California.
