After making a brief comeback last season, veteran big man Kendrick Perkins is looking for another shot with an NBA club this season. As A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston details, Perkins said on Wednesday that he reached out to the Celtics to inquire about a potential reunion with his old team.
“I did reach out to (Celtics president of basketball operations) Danny (Ainge),” Perkins said. “I told him, ‘I’m here if you need me.’ He said, ‘You know what, Perk? I would love for you to end your career here.’ And I was like, ‘OK, keep me in mind.'”
During an appearance on Toucher & Rich on Thursday morning, Ainge acknowledged that he had spoken to Perkins, as Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston tweets. However, while the former Celtics center may be on Boston’s radar, it doesn’t sound like a deal will happen anytime soon.
“I don’t think it’s a good fit for our team right now,” Ainge said. “You never know what happens during the course of a season.”
According to Blakely, Perkins said that if he returns to the NBA, it likely won’t happen until at least January, when teams become eligible to sign players to 10-day contracts. And no matter where he ends up playing, the 34-year-old expects 2018/19 to be his final NBA season, Blakely adds.
Perkins didn’t specify any other potential destinations besides Boston, but indicated that he has drawn interest from a couple other clubs and will probably work out for one of them in early December, per Blakely. Citing a source close to Perkins’ camp, Ben Stinar of AmicoHoops.net (Twitter link) identified the Wizards and Timberwolves as ideal fits, so those may be the two other teams the 14-year veteran was referencing.
Perkins signed with the Cavaliers at the end of the 2017/18 season, appearing in his first NBA game since April 2016. However, his 15 minutes of action in Cleveland’s regular season finale represented his lone appearance for the team — he didn’t see the floor at all during the playoffs.
Washington would be a great fit! Him and Dwight are old pals!
please just go home you were never all that when you were younger
Stephen Jackson said he’d like another shot at the NBA too.
Perkins just wants free catering.
Honestly, Perkins should consider joining the WWE. He’s pretty well known for his tussles against guys like Aldridge, Crowder and Kobe. He would have kicked Drake’s behind last year – even in his custom suit. Give that man a contract.
Perkins teamed with Stephen Jackson … now which team? Hmmm. Those guys you love to boo; dirty and fun. Laimbeer too?!?! Too bad Jungle Jim Luscatoff left terra firma. Whose number 5 to round out this rogues gallery?