The Rich Get Richer: Leon Powe To Join Cleveland For Another Title Run

The Cleveland Cavaliers are really close to terms on a deal that would bring free agent forward Leon Powe to the team.

The deal is expected to be finalized today pending an evaluation by team doctors on Powe's left surgically repaired knee. If the progress in the knee is going as well as expected, Powe will sign a two-year contract for the league minimum.

The Cavs would hold the upper-hand in the contract, as they left the second year of the contract open with a team option.

Powe isn't expected to return to the court until sometime around the All-Star break, but the Cavs will view him as a low-risk, high-reward player. Signing him for the minimum won't hurt the team financially and if Powe can return healthy and in game shape, the payoff will be major.

The Cavs have been seeking to add a power forward and having a healthy Powe for a championship run is crucial.

Powe averaged 7.7 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last season for the Boston Celtics and he also helped Boston secure their 17th championship in 2008. Powe is still young, 25, and he already has NBA Finals experience and a championship ring, which is something many players will never be able to achieve.

Most likely, Powe will come off of the bench and backup Anderson Varejao at the power forward position. Having a player like Powe will provide the Cavs with great depth and will help round-out a well balanced roster.

If Powe's knee can return to full strength, his two-year contract may develop into something long-term and he could hold a permanent roster spot in Cleveland.