Semih Erden to Sign With Turkey’s Besiktas

Semih Erden will join Deron Williams on the Besiktas roster during the NBA lockout. Per the Plain Dealer: “Semih Erden has become the first Cavaliers player to find work overseas during the NBA lockout. He won’t have to leave his hometown to earn a paycheck. The 7-foot forward is planning to play for Besiktas, a Turkish team that also signed New Jersey Nets guard Deron Williams. The club is located in Erden’s native Istanbul. He was expected to finalize the contract either Tuesday or Wednesday. Under terms of the agreement, he can return to the Cavaliers once the lockout is resolved. Agents for several Cleveland players have said their clients are considering European options as the league’s work stoppage threatens the start of the season. Erden, 25, was limited to just four games last season with the Cavaliers due a shoulder injury that required surgery. The club acquired him along with Luke Harangody from Boston at the trade deadline for a second-round pick. In 41 overall games, he averaged four points, 2.9 rebounds and 14-plus minutes in his rookie season.”