Just Like Magic, Versatile Outlaw Leaves Clippers

Swingman Bo Outlaw, the Clippers’ best defender, signed a $2.15-million, two-year contract with the Orlando Magic on Friday.

The move surprised the Clippers, who had reportedly offered Outlaw a four-year contract that would have paid him $1.5 million next season.

“It’s a surprise because he was offered a lot more than that to sign with us,” Clipper Coach Bill Fitch said. “The last I heard, Fred [Slaughter, Outlaw’s agent] and Andy [Roeser, Clipper executive vice president] were sitting down to talk.”

Outlaw said, “They tried to re-sign me, but it was a long, drawn-out process and a tough decision for me to make. We went from losing to winning in my time there. It was tough to leave.”

Fitch said he’ll miss Outlaw, the Clippers’ most versatile player.

“Bo was one of my favorites,” Fitch said. “We’re going to miss Bo, but I wish him well. I still don’t understand why he did what he did, but it’s not going to kill the Clippers.”