It was the third major medical procedure Powe has endured on the knee. He isn't expected to be ready to play for the Cavaliers until February.

But the Cavs, in need of frontcourt depth, saw Powe as a player who could help at some point in 2010.

"Leon is a high quality player and person. His tough, gritty play has already contributed in big playoff games during his young career," Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry said in a statement. "As he continues to work rehabilitating his injury, we would look to hopefully see him return toward the end of the season."

Powe, who averaged 7.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season, will receive the league minimum for a third-year veteran player. The Cavaliers hold an option for 2010-11.

Powe considered only contenders and chose the Cavaliers over the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat, among others, according to his agent, Aaron Goodwin.

"A lot of teams will tell a guy, 'Come see us when you're healthy,"' Goodwin said. "The Cavs were saying, 'Come here now and we'll help you get healthy."'

Powe spent his first three seasons with the Celtics, averaging 6.6 points and 4.2 rebounds as a backup. He was a restricted free agent, but became eligible to sign with any team when Boston did not make him a qualifying offer.

"Were we surprised? No," Goodwin said of the Celtics' decision. "Were we disappointed? Yes."

In Cleveland, the 6-foot-8 forward adds another veteran player to a team that this offseason already has traded for Shaquille O'Neal, re-signed forward Anderson Varejao and signed free agents Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon.

Goodwin acknowledged that a big factor for Powe was the chance to be reunited with James, his old AAU teammate.

Powe was drafted in the second round by the Denver Nuggets in 2006 and traded to the Celtics for a future pick.