Kendrick Perkins to Cavaliers: Latest Contract Details, Analysis and Reaction

Longtime NBA center Kendrick Perkins will be signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers once he clears waivers.

Perkins tweeted the news himself on Saturday:

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports initially reported that Perkins and the Utah Jazz agreed to a buyout and that the big man would sign with Cleveland on Monday.

Cavs superstar LeBron James is evidently pleased with the latest, impending transaction:

This is yet another savvy move by Cleveland general manager David Griffin to position James and Co. for their push for a deep playoff run.

Tom Reed of Cleveland.com weighed in on Perkins' approaching arrival:

The absence of Anderson Varejao from the lineup has created a void in the Cavs frontcourt. Although the trade to land Timofey Mozgov has been a smash hit, Cleveland was still lacking credible veteran experience on the front line. Perkins provides that in spades.

ESPN.com's Royce Young reports how a lot of suitors were interested in Perkins, who almost reunited with his former Boston coach, Doc Rivers:

Not quite the intimidating interior defender he was with the Celtics in his prime, Perkins has nevertheless played in meaningful games in Oklahoma City in recent years. He even matched up with James versus the Miami Heat in the 2012 NBA Finals.

James knows what Perkins has been capable of throughout his stellar career, having battled him numerous times in his prior stint with the Cavs as well.

A scowling on-court countenance and overall grit makes Perkins a player his team loves to have—and one capable of getting under opponents' skin. The latter knack is something Varejao brings to the floor, so Perkins is a logical upgrade to give Cleveland a bit more size and versatility in its rotation.

Perkins' presence should be invaluable to talented Cleveland youngsters in Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and others who haven't won much of anything in the NBA.