Kendrick Perkins: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Free-Agent C

Center Kendrick Perkins is reportedly finalizing a deal to become the newest member of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Continue for updates. 

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Perkins Reportedly Joining Pelicans

Tuesday, July 21

Marc Stein of ESPN reported Perkins and the Pelicans are finalizing a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.

ESPN.com's Arash Markazi, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers was "still interested" in signing Perkins in early July, but after signing Paul Pierce to the mini mid-level exception, according to NBA.com's David Aldridge, the Clippers could only offer Perkins a deal at the veteran's minimum with no more exceptions available, according to Basketball Insiders. 

While Perkins was once a serviceable defensive big who could provide quality minutes while bodying up some of the league's more imposing post threats, Perkins' limited offensive game hinders his overall impact to a staggering degree. Last season, he posted a cumulative offensive rating of 86 while notching a defensive rating of 105, according to Basketball-Reference.com.  

With limited lateral agility and no real vertical jump to speak of, Perkins isn't the kind of versatile, athletic presence teams are looking for to fortify the back ends of their rotations. Still, he may be able to help spell rising superstar Anthony Davis in select scenarios and provide the frontcourt with veteran depth.