Perkins going to Cavs shouldn't bother Bulls

Here's one rumor that faded quickly: The Bulls were contenders to sign former Oklahoma City center Kendrick Perkins, according to some reports.

Perkins ended any suspense quickly by tweeting plans Saturday to join the Cleveland Cavaliers. Among other things, Perkins wrote, "Can't wait to play with greatness," while tagging LeBron James.

Just before the trade deadline, Perkins was sent to Utah in the deal that brought Enes Kanter to Oklahoma City. Perkins agreed to a buyout with the Jazz, was released and will be free to sign with the Cavs as soon as he clears waivers.

The Bulls have a personal connection, since Tom Thibodeau was a Boston assistant when Perkins played on Celtics teams that reached the Finals in 2008 and '10. Perkins also made news by loudly demanding Joakim Noah leave the Thunder locker room last season in OKC. Noah was attempting to visit ex-Bulls teammate Thabo Sefolosha.

Here's the thing to remember about Perkins, though: He hasn't been a significant contributor for years. The 6-foot-10 center, now 30, was averaging 4.0 points and 5.5 rebounds for the Thunder this season.

Cleveland is low on big men, having lost Anderson Varejao for the season, so Perkins figures to get some minutes. Playing time would be sparse in Chicago, with Noah, Pau Gasol, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic already on board.

More players are likely to hit the open market by accepting buyouts with their current team, so the Bulls may have more opportunities to add a player for the stretch run.

Hinrich out sick:

After returning from Detroit early Saturday morning, Kirk Hinrich came down with some sort of virus and missed the Phoenix game.

Ironically, the loss to the Pistons on Friday was just the third time this season the Bulls had every player on the roster healthy and available. The other two times were Nov. 10 against Detroit and Nov. 13 at Toronto.

"It's our reality. It's the NBA," coach Tom Thibodeau said before Saturday's game. "I thought our team had a really good rhythm going in (to the break). When you have a break like that, you have to come back and regain your edge, and also your rhythm."

Sun rises on Knight:

Point guard Brandon Knight made his Suns debut against the Bulls on Saturday. Knight was probably a near-miss for the Eastern Conference all-star team, but was traded from Milwaukee at the trade deadline. The Bucks received last season's rookie of the year, Michael Carter-Williams, from Philadelphia in the deal.

Knight didn't start Saturday's game, but checked in midway through the first quarter.

"They say Brandon's a guy who likes to be prepared," Suns coach Jeff Hornacek said before the game. "It's unfair sometimes to throw these guys out there when they don't even know what you're doing."

The Bulls host Milwaukee on Monday, but Carter-Williams is unlikely to play because of a toe injury.