Advertisement

Del Negro Acquired, Waived

Share

The Clippers, Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic completed a three-team trade Friday that, in the final analysis, appears to benefit the Suns most of all.

The Suns got forward Bo Outlaw, a first-round draft pick and cash from the Magic. Orlando got forward Jud Buechler from the Suns. The Clippers got guard Vinny Del Negro from the Suns, cash from the Magic and gave Orlando the option to swap second-round picks in 2005.

The Clippers promptly waived Del Negro.

Del Negro’s best seasons are behind him, but he might have helped in the short term because backup point guard Keyon Dooling is sidelined because of a sprained left ankle and forward Lamar Odom is serving a suspension for violating the NBA’s antidrug policy. Odom missed his sixth game since he was suspended Nov. 5.

Advertisement

By participating in the deal, the Clippers helped the Pacific Division-rival Suns beef up a weak front line. When the Clippers defeated the Suns last week, Phoenix Coach Scott Skiles bemoaned the fact that his team took only three shots from inside the key in the second half.

Outlaw isn’t a big scorer, but he gives the Suns a presence around the basket.

The Clippers’ moves were made for salary-cap purposes for next season, the team said.

*

Another day passed without the Clippers receiving word on when Odom would be reinstated. Coach Alvin Gentry said for a second consecutive day that he believed Odom and the Clippers would learn something early next week.

Advertisement