The signing officially ended Powe's time with the Celtics , who paved the way for his departure when they didn't tender a qualifying offer to the power forward by the July 1 deadline, making him an unrestricted free agent.

``I think that his preference would have been to stay with Boston,'' Powe's agent Aaron Goodwin said by telephone yesterday. ``That didn't work out. He's got a great opportunity with a great organization that happens to be one of the best teams in the league. Good things happen to good people.''

Powe was a productive bench player for the Celts, averaging 7.7 points and 4.9 rebounds last season. Doc Rivers has called Powe one of his favorite players to coach, a compliment that has as much to do with what Powe has accomplished off the court.

Powe overcame homelessness and life in the California foster system as an adolescent and two major knee surgeries to become an NBA player. He was taken in the second round of the 2006 draft by the Nuggets, who immediately dealt him to the Celts.

But general manager Danny Ainge elected not to make the qualifying offer, and then re-signed Glen Davis and signed free agents Rasheed Wallace and Shelden Williams to fortify the front line.

Powe told the Herald in early July that Ainge said the decision was based on the team having a two-year window to contend for a title and not wanting to tie up a roster spot with an injured player. Powe sustained a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee in Game 2 of the Celtics first-round playoff series against Chicago. The 25-year-old underwent ACL reconstruction and microfracture surgery on May 5, which will sideline him until the All-Star break in February.

Goodwin said there were some mixed signals communicated from the organization to Powe.

``I think there was a lot of confusion going on, in fairness to Danny Ainge,'' Goodwin said. ``I don't think that they initially showed enough interest. I think at some point there was a desire for the Celtics to keep him, but I just think that it was a little late in the process.''

Goodwin said Powe's recovery is ahead of schedule. When Powe is healthy, he will join a formidable Cleveland team.

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

Ferry has been busy on his frontcourt, trading for Shaquille O'Neal, re-signing Anderson Varejao and signing Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon and Powe.

``I think it's a great opportunity,'' Goodwin said. ``Cleveland is a great team. Cleveland was willing to put the time and energy into helping Leon get back healthy and allowing him a chance to play and further his career. You can do nothing but commend them for doing that.''

Though Powe had hoped to extend his time with the Celtics , Goodwin said his client is looking forward.

``This is a business. You can't take business with a hard feeling,'' Goodwin said. ``At the end of the day, Boston has to do what's best for them just as Leon has to do what's best for him.''

- danduggan@bostonherald.com