After two seasons in the NBA, Semih Erden has signed a two-year contract with Aandolu Efes Istanbul and will return to his native Turkey, confirms Emiliano Carchia of Sportando. The agreement, first reported by Basketfaul, also includes a third-year option, and was made official by the team today.
Erden, 25, was drafted in the second round of the 2008 draft by the Celtics, and eventually signed with them in 2010. The seven-footer played part of the 2010/11 season in Boston before being traded to Cleveland, where he spent last season. In 28 games in 2011/12, Erden averaged 3.5 PPG and 2.6 RPG in just under 12 MPG.
The Cavaliers had extended Erden a qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent. If the big man wants to eventually return to the NBA, Cleveland will have the opportunity to tender him a qualifying offer again and match any offer he receives.
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