As expected by RealGM staff for a few weeks, the AP reports that the Indiana Pacers have waived center Sam Perkins.

Perkins, whose $3.5 million salary for the upcoming season was not guaranteed, was waived because of Luxury Tax issues. Removing his salary from the books brings the Pacers back down to a more comfortable level where they may be able to avoid a position where they would have to pay the Tax.

The other issue was playing time. With free agent Carlos Rogers, young veterans such as Jeff Foster, Bruno Sundov and Jermaine O'Neal and rookie Primoz Brezec, team president Donnie Walsh figured Perkins would take away minutes from the younger players.