The Clippers' operation this time is comparable to 2003 when they didn't even offer a quote to Odom, allowing the Miami Heat to sign him for free, and eventually the Heat traded Odom and Butler for O'Neal.
The main issue was that the Clippers' salary was slightly high this season. In the summer of 2005, Baylor's excellent operations helped the Clippers build a strong roster, reaching the playoffs for the first time in team history and advancing to the second round, overshadowing their former neighbors. He won the best manager award, but soon after, the Clippers were plagued by injuries and left with a bunch of long-term contracts.
