The Orlando Magic have acquired forward-center Tony Battie and two future second round draft picks (2005, 2007) from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for forward Drew Gooden, center Steven Hunter (through a sign-and-trade) and the draft rights to Anderson Varejao (vaar-ra-ZJOW), General Manager John Weisbrod announced today. (See an interview with Weisbrod.)

“Tony (Battie) adds size and a defensive presence to our frontcourt,” said Weisbrod. “We think he fits in well with what we are trying to accomplish. He brings veteran leadership to our team and is a high-character individual.”

Battie (6’11”, 240, 2/11/76) played in 73 games for both Boston and Cleveland last season, averaging 5.6 ppg. and 4.9 rpg. in 20.2 minpg. He was sent to the Cavaliers along with Kedrick Brown and Eric Williams on Dec. 15, 2003 from the Celtics in exchange for Ricky Davis, Chris Mihm, Michael Stewart and a second round pick. In 50 games with Cleveland, Battie averaged 5.4 ppg. and 4.8 rpg. in 19.5 minpg.

Battie scored in double figures 14 times in 2003-04, including a season-high 17 points (and 10 rebounds) on Jan. 20 vs. Seattle. He recorded double figures in rebounding six times, had at least one blocked shot in 39 games and had two-or-more blocks on 20 occasions.

Selected in the first round (fifth overall) of the 1997 NBA Draft by Denver, Battie has played in 451 regular season games during his NBA career with Denver, Boston and Cleveland, averaging 6.8 ppg., 5.7 rpg. and 1.08 blkpg. in 22.1 minpg. He has also appeared in 26 career playoff outings, averaging 6.3 ppg., 6.5 rpg. and 1.69 blkpg. in 25.2 minpg.

Gooden played in 79 games for Orlando, averaging 11.6 ppg., 6.5 rpg. and 1.1 apg. in 27.0 minpg. He tied for 37th in the NBA in blocked shots (0.91 blkpg.), tied for 39th in rebounding and tallied a team-best 18 double-doubles. Gooden has played in 149 regular season games during his NBA career with Memphis and Orlando, averaging 12.0 ppg., 6.5 rpg. and 1.2 apg. in 26.9 minpg.

Hunter appeared in 59 games with the Magic, averaging 3.2 ppg., 2.9 rpg. and 1.24 blkpg. in 13.4 minpg. He has played in 145 regular season games during his NBA career, all with Orlando, averaging 3.5 ppg., 2.5 rpg. and 1.05 blkpg. in 12.1 minpg. Hunter was selected in the first round (15th overall) by the Magic in the 2001 NBA Draft.

Varejao was selected in the second round (30th overall) of the 2004 NBA Draft by Orlando. He appeared in 27 regular season games last season for F.C. Barcelona, averaging 7.5 ppg. and 4.4 rpg. In Euroleague action, Varejao averaged 7.7 ppg. and 5.1 rpg.