Just before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 24 last week, the Boston Celtics did something completely unexpected as they traded away arguably their best inside defender in center Kendrick Perkins. During his time in Boston, Perkins made this Celtics team arguably the best on that end of the floor in the entire league.

Not only was a Perkins a very important part of the Boston Celtics and their success over the last few years, but some people have said that if he didn’t get hurt in the NBA Finals last year against the eventual NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, the Celtics would have won their second NBA title in three years.

With that being said, Perkins obviously had great value to the Celtics, but with Boston not confident that they could re-sign their defensive-minded center they made a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Celtics got a promising young player in forward Jeff Green for Kendrick Perkins, but many people believe that the Thunder may have pulled off steal.

Ironically enough, even though the Boston Celtics thought they wouldn’t be able to sign Kendrick Perkins for the kind of money he wanted, the center didn’t waste any time signing a contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Reportedly, the 26-year-old center has agreed to sign a four-year contract extension with the Thunder with $36 million dollars guaranteed. This is great deal for Perkins as he just locked up his financial future, but maybe not a wise decision by the Thunder as Perkins has had some knee injuries over the last two seasons which might become a big problem over the next four years.

Ultimately, the Thunder have become a better basketball team as they get the much-needed size they have been looking for to go with the lightening quick speed in the backcourt.

Check out the latest odds and spreads at the best online sportsbooks for your NBA betting needs:

BetDSI Sportsbook:
Spread: Indiana Pacers +8 & Oklahoma City Thunder -8
Moneyline: Indiana Pacers +300 & Oklahoma City Thunder -360
Over/Under: Indiana Pacers 110 over & Oklahoma City Thunder 110 under (209.5)

Bookmaker Sportsbook:
Spread: Indiana Pacers +8 & Oklahoma City Thunder -8
Moneyline: Indiana Pacers +300 & Oklahoma City Thunder -360
Over/Under: Indiana Pacers 110 over & Oklahoma City Thunder 110 under (209.5)

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