National Basketball Association

AP Source: Perkins agrees to sign with Cavaliers

Published Feb. 21, 2015 6:42 p.m. ET

foxsports

CLEVELAND (AP) The Cavaliers are adding some inside muscle and depth.

Former Oklahoma City forward Kendrick Perkins has agreed to sign with the Cavs, a person familiar with his decision told The Associated Press on Saturday. Perkins, who won a title with the Boston Celtics in 2008, will sign with the Cavs as early as Monday said the person who spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity because the team has not made the signing official.

Perkins was waived earlier Saturday by the Utah Jazz, who acquired him in a deal from the Thunder before the trading deadline. Although he has not yet joined the Cavs, Perkins posted a message on Twitter saying he's excited to soon be playing with superstar LeBron James.

Perkins wrote: ''It's a Blessing for me to have another opportunity to join a Great Organization (at)cavs! Can't wait to play with Greatness (at)KingJames!(hash)TheLand.

James is equally happy to have Perkins, a player with plenty of postseason experience.

''The Land welcome my bro as well as my muscle (LOL) (at)KendrickPerkins to the city with open arms!'' James posted on his Twitter account. ''Happy and thrilled to have u aboard homie!!

The beefy Perkins will give the Cavs, who have won 15 of 18, a tough, a physical defensive presence off the bench. At 6-foot-10, 280 pounds, Perkins adds size, strength and gives coach David Blatt a quality backup for 7-foot-1 center Timofey Mozgov or forwards Kevin Love or Tristan Thompson.

Several other teams had interest in Perkins, who also went to the NBA Finals with Oklahoma City. The Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs all considered signing him.

The Cavs were in the market for another big man at the deadline, but were unable to pull the trigger on any moves. On Thursday, James said Cleveland has a roster capable of winning a championship, and adding Perkins can only help toward that goal.

Cleveland won at Washington on Friday night and will play at New York on Sunday.