Cavs to make qualifying offer to Rodney Hood

CLEVELAND (AP):

The Cavaliers have some clarity with one of their free agent forwards. No, not that one. While waiting to see if they are in LeBron James' plans, the Cavaliers intend to extend a US$3.4 million (J$440 million) qualifying offer to Rodney Hood, making him a restricted free agent and protecting the club if he receives any offers.

The team will make the offer to Hood before tomorrow's deadline, said a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity yesterday because the club is not publicly discussing its plans ahead of free agency starting Sunday.

Cleveland.com first reported the Cavaliers' intentions with Hood.

Also, the Cavs intend to pick up center Kendrick Perkins' US$2.5 million (J$324 million) non-guaranteed contract for next season, the person said. The move with Perkins, who signed at the end of the regular season but did not appear in any playoff games, is so the team can potentially use his salary slot in a trade.

Perkins has had two stints with Cleveland.

Meanwhile, James has until 11:59 p.m. Friday to pick up his US$35.6 million (over J$4.6 billion) contract option for next season or he will become a free agent. The 33-year-old is expected to decline the option, but it is also possible he could exercise it and be traded if Cleveland works out a deal in order to acquire assets for the three-time champion.

The Cavs have not yet heard from James.