Clippers to Make a Point With Miller by Letting Him Leave

All signs point toward Andre Miller becoming a Denver Nugget at 8:59 PDT tonight, with the Clippers content to let expire a league-mandated 15-day deadline to match a $51-million contract over the next six seasons.

The Clippers’ expected inaction on Miller, after matching offers from the Miami Heat for Elton Brand and from the Utah Jazz for Corey Maggette this month, would mean the team would have its third starting point guard in as many seasons.

After not matching Denver’s offer, the Clippers would use either Keyon Dooling or Marko Jaric to direct new Coach Mike Dunleavy’s high-tempo offense.

Jeff McInnis signed as a free agent with the Portland Trail Blazers after the 2001-02 season. McInnis’ brash style rubbed teammates and coaches the wrong way and the Clippers were only too happy to be rid of him, particularly after dealing for Miller last summer.

Miller also clashed with teammates and coaches after the Clippers sent fan favorite Darius Miles to the Cleveland Cavaliers to get him. Miller had been the NBA’s leader in assists while with Cleveland in 2001-02, averaging 10.9, but he averaged 6.7 for the Clippers last season.

The Clippers declined to comment for the record Wednesday and Miller did not return a phone call.

If Miller goes to Denver, the Heat might make an offer to Lamar Odom in the range of $65 million over six seasons, which the Clippers said they would match. Odom has rejected the Clippers’ offer of $24 million over three seasons.

-- Elliott Teaford