Kendrick Perkins blasts ‘snake’ GM who cost him NBA title

Kendrick Perkins expressed deep resentment towards former New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell Demps during a podcast appearance, blaming him for a failed trade that Perkins believes cost him an NBA championship and prematurely ended his career. Perkins recounted being a veteran backup on the struggling Pelicans during the 2015-16 season, mentoring players like Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday.

At that season's trade deadline, Perkins revealed he had significant interest from contending teams: LeBron James personally told him the Cleveland Cavaliers wanted him, and Kevin Durant informed him the Oklahoma City Thunder also sought to acquire him. Both teams reportedly offered deals, with Cleveland even proposing a second-round pick. Perkins emphasized either team could have provided a championship opportunity, as Cleveland won the title that year after a historic comeback, while OKC reached the Conference Finals.

Despite this interest, Perkins stated Demps explicitly assured him he wouldn't be traded, promising Perkins a two-year contract extension and retirement as a Pelican. Demps claimed the team valued his locker room presence. Trusting this promise, Perkins declined a veteran-minimum offer from his hometown Houston Rockets, who wanted him to play alongside James Harden.

Perkins was shocked when, nearly a season later, Demps contacted him (only after Perkins reached out first) to inform him the team had changed direction and wouldn't re-sign him, prioritizing younger players. Perkins reacted furiously, cursing Demps out on the phone. This left him with no viable options for the next season, effectively ending his NBA career. He believes Demps "played a huge part" in shortening his career by 1-2 years, preventing him from contributing as a bench veteran, and directly costing him a potential championship ring. Perkins labeled Demps a "liar" and a "snake," stating he despises him and witnessed Demps avoiding eye contact during a later encounter in Minnesota.