Kendrick Perkins Turns Down Boston Celtics Extension Offer Despite Looming CBA

Kendrick Perkins has turned down a contract extension offer by the Boston Celtics of four years and approximately $30 million, according to the Boston Herald.

If the salary remains even over four years, the cap hit would be $7.5 million each season (once again, approximately).

Perkins' agent, Arn Tellem, wants to wait until Perkins becomes an unrestricted free agent so other teams on the market can make a bid for him.

It seems strange that Tellem would subject his client to the unknown future NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement and possible lockout by the owners. However, both Perkins and his agent are well aware of his value to the Celtics and currently as an option for other teams.

There was a strong possibility that the Celtics would have won last year's NBA Finals against the Lakers had Perkins not been injured in Game 6. Knowing this, Perkins and his agent are probably seeing dollar signs.

There is no doubt that Perkins could command a higher salary and possibly more years on the open market. For example, does anyone think the Miami Heat wouldn't be interested in signing one of the best defensive centers in the game? Or even the Orlando Magic to play alongside Dwight Howard?

There are too many hypothetical situations, but it's time for Celtics fans to be a little worried.

Perkins deserves a contract extension, but to what extent? The Celtics have several other issues that they need to examine in the offseason, including the contracts of Glen Davis, Marquis Daniels and Delonte West.

The Celtics do hold Bird Rights to both Perkins and Davis, but is management willing to spend large money on role players? And with a possible lockout looming, how long will each side wait before settling on a contract? It seems unlikely that either side will reach an agreement without knowing the parameters and long-term contract stipulations.

What do you think? Will Perkins re-sign in Boston?