LOS ANGELES, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- The Los Angeles Clippers granted forward Lamar Odom his wish on Monday by deciding they will not match the offer sheet he signed earlier this month with Miami.
The Clippers already matched offer sheets to retain the services of forward Elton Brand and swingman Corey Maggette. Odom wanted desperately to leave the Clippers.
"After long and careful consideration, we have elected not to match the offer sheet presented to us by Lamar Odom," said President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor in a statement. "In the final analysis, the decision was based on issues of character and other risks involved."
Also, guard Andre Miller was allowed to go to Denver.
The 6-10 Odom was suspended by the NBA early in his career for a violation of the league's anti-drug policy. He began last season rehabilitating injuries from the previous campaign and averaged 14.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in 49 games.
Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but numerous reports said it was worth $63 million over six years.
Odom, the fourth overall pick in the 1999 draft, spent his first four seasons with the Clippers and played for four different coaches.
He has career averages of 15.9 points and 7.3 rebounds.
