Kendrick Perkins has agreed to an extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, just six days after the big man was traded from the Boston Celtics at the NBA's deadline, the team announced Tuesday morning. Details are not yet known, but Perkins was eligible for a four-year extension. Earlier this year, he turned down a four-year, $22 million extension offer from the Celtics.
"We had a unique opportunity to enter into discussions with Kendrick to solidify his future with our organization," said [Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam] Presti. "We are pleased to know that he will be a part of our core group now and in the future. Kendrick's blue-collar, team-first approach aligns with the vision we hold for building a sustainable team in the Oklahoma City community."
While Perkins (and the Celtics teammates left behind) were emotionally hurt by the trade, the extension shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. During his introductory press conference in Oklahoma City, Perkins told the media the Thunder had been on his radar for some time.
"I actually talked to my agent about Oklahoma City last year," Perk told the media when he arrived in OKC. "I knew my contract was coming to an end, so I asked him, 'Do you think they would be interested?' God works in mysterious ways, and now I'm happy to be here."
Perkins has yet to play a game for the Thunder as he recovers from a strained MCL suffered in a game against the Warriors while still with the Celtics on Feb. 22.
For more on Perkins and the extension, visit Welcome To Loud City and CelticsBlog.