Cavaliers Rumors: Analyzing Buzz on Kendrick Perkins Following Trade Deadline

The 33-22 Cleveland Cavaliers will pick up right where they left off before the All-Star break, as the trade deadline passed by without the team striking a deal. That's not to say Cleveland didn't try to get something done, but its lack of assets following a major overhaul wouldn't allow it.

Inactivity at the deadline certainly didn't bother LeBron James, who said Thursday that the team's current roster "can win a championship," according to Joe Vardon of The Plain Dealer. That high level of optimism is a welcomed change of culture in Cleveland.

Although, despite James' confidence in the team's roster, the Cavaliers could still use additional frontcourt depth if they are to overtake the Chicago Bulls for the top spot in the Central Division and make a legitimate playoff push.

Interestingly enough, the Bulls are looking to add depth in that area as well, and the division rivals appear to be neck-and-neck with the Cavs to acquire the services of veteran center Kendrick Perkins, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:

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The Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers are front-runners to sign center Kendrick Perkins once his contract buyout is completed, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

The Los Angeles Clippers have also registered interest with Perkins too, sources said.

While Perkins has an interest in joining the Dallas Mavericks, owner Mark Cuban says his team has no intention of signing the 12-year NBA veteran to a deal.

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Before we delve into this situation, let's back up for a minute.

Perkins is currently a member of the Utah Jazz, as he was dealt as a part of a three-team trade that sent the disgruntled Enes Kanter and Steve Novak to the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Josh Furlong of KSL.com. Jody Genessy of the Deseret News tweeted Utah's intentions for the veteran's contract:

So, now that we know how this situation came to fruition, where will things go from here?

Well, even though the Cavaliers are considered front-runners for Perkins, there is one factor that goes against the team's potential acquisition of his services. The center spent his first seven-plus seasons with the Boston Celtics. It just so happens Tom Thibodeau and Doc Rivers—who are currently interested in adding Perkins—were on Boston's coaching staff during that span.

David Blatt doesn't have that kind of history with the center, making Cleveland a bit of an underdog here.

Should the Cavaliers defy the odds and acquire Perkins, they'll be getting a player who may not generate the same kind of production he did years ago, but has a great deal of experience and is a great presence in the locker room.

Still able to contribute in a supporting role, Perkins is averaging 4.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game this season. His ability to generate boards will help a Cleveland team that has struggled in that department this season, ranking 18th in the NBA in rebounds per game.

Perkins' current contract pays him a base salary of $9.1 million this season. However, he'll likely be available for the league minimum after he's bought out. That works for the Cavaliers, as they don't have the cap space to afford much more but do have a roster spot available.

One thing to keep in mind here is that the Cavaliers could miss out on Ray Allen if they sign Perkins. The team's been linked to the veteran guard for most of the season, and reports of adding him following the All-Star break surfaced back in January. The team has one open roster spot and must decide if depth at center or guard is more important for a run at the postseason.