According to two league sources, Perkins has already turned down a Celtics offer that is bound by the CBA’s current restrictions — a contract extension worth slightly less than $30 million over four years, which reflects the currently mandated contract limits of a 20-percent increase and a four-year maximum. Perkins, represented by agent Arn Tellem, has opted to wait until he is an unrestricted free agent, when even in an unpredictable market he has a chance of commanding far more.
Herald: Perkins shows strong suit
That's a low-ball offer from the C's as far as total value. A little more than $7 mil per season is probably a couple million off of what Perk can get on the open market under the current CBA.
But Tellem is smart to wait because no matter what the new rules are, Perkins is a proven NBA center who can defend and bring toughness to your roster. There aren't many of those around this league… which means he'll be in demand no matter what the rules are.
I wouldn't read too much into the rejection of the offer. It only shows (a) The C's are interested in keeping him and (b) Perkins isn't going to jump at the first offer out there. That's rule #1 of negotiating. If that's the C's first offer, they're willing to pay more. Even if Boston is the only place where Perk wants to play, you still say no to the first offer and see what else you can get.
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