Report: Perkins to sign with Cavaliers after finalizing buyout with Jazz

Kendrick Perkins has agreed to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers after finalizing a buyout agreement with the Utah Jazz, according to ESPN's Royce Young.

The 30-year-old center was traded to the Jazz from the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday in the three-way deal that sent Reggie Jackson to the Detroit Pistons and Enes Kanter to the Thunder.

The Jazz have been expected to buy him out since making the deal, with the Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls quickly emerging as frontrunners. Perkins was reportedly swayed in the end by a recruitment pitch that came directly from LeBron James, and, according to NBA.com's David Aldridge, saw the Cavaliers as both the likelier championship contender and the team that could offer him the largest role.

Perkins was also being chased by the Los Angeles Clippers, whose coach and general manager, Doc Rivers, coached him for years on the Boston Celtics. After making up his mind, Perkins reportedly called Rivers to let him down easy.

Perkins has his share of limitations, especially at the offensive end, but he should be a good depth addition for the Cavs. His regression since his Celtics days has been well-chronicled, but he's a tough player who can defend the paint, and he has a knack for getting under an opponent's skin. He averaged four points and 5.5 rebounds in 19 minutes a game with the Thunder this season.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports that Perkins has already reached a buyout agreement with the Jazz, and can officially join the Cavaliers once he clears waivers on Monday at 5 p.m. ET.