Thunder GM Sam Presti: '[amnestying Perkins] is not something that’s been considered'
There's an old saying that goes: if you owe the bank a thousand dollars, it's your problem, but if you owe the bank one million dollars, the bank is in trouble.
Such is the case between Thunder center Kendrick Perkins and Oklahoma City. Perkins has failed to live up to the burdensome extension that he signed in 2011. The deal handed him an assured $32.6 million over four seasons. He has one year left on the deal at $9.7 million for 2014-15.
The problem isn't necessarily price. Rather, one of production. During this past regular season, Perkins averaged 3.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 19.5 minutes per game. In short, he's simply not worth the money.
Perkins' contract is a double-whammy for the Thunder, as his sizable salary is an impediment against the salary cap. Given that the team is located in a small market city, it isn't entirely viable for the squad to dip into the luxury tax to bolster a near-championship roster.
One solution at Thunder GM Sam Presti's disposal is the amnesty clause, which gives them the option of cutting Perkins' salary off Oklahoma City's ledger.
However, Presti says that he has yet to consider using the amnesty option, as per Anthony Slater of The Oklahoman.
"I wish I had something clever to say there, but I don’t," Presti said. "We’ll look at everything, as we always do. But as we’ve said before, it’s not something that’s been considered to this point."
Presti pointed to Perkins' role as a mentor for center Steven Adams as proof of his value to the Thunder.
"He’s been wonderful for Steven Adams. I think he’s had a lot to do with Steven’s growth, especially in the postseason, specifically how he studies and plays position defense."
In reality, the equation likely remains the same for the Thunder. Regardless of his mentorship of Adams, or his defensive efforts, Perkins simply isn't worth the opportunity cost of cap room. The Thunder have two capable replacements in Nick Collison and Adams, and a number of holes to fill with respect to their bench. Perkins stands in the way of both.
The quid quo pro? Thunder ownership likely isn't willing to pony up the cash.
[H/T Eye on Basketball]