Shaun Livingston was supposed to be the Clippers' guard of the future, and the one who would lead the franchise at the position for years to come. He had shown continual improvement during his first three seasons in L.A., before a horrific knee injury forced him out of action, and caused him to miss the entire 2007-08 season.
Livingston worked hard to get his knee back into shape, and was attempting to comeback with the Clippers during the off season. But L.A. renounced his rights over the summer, and was only willing to give Livingston a guaranteed one-year deal at the league's minimum salary. Miami was willing to offer more, so obviously, Livingston jumped.
Just like the Clippers did with Fred Jones and Paul Davis yesterday, however, the Heat waived Livingston, making him available to return to L.A. if the Clippers want him back. Even at the low or nonexistent cost though, a return to Los Angeles just doesn't seem that likely.
Livingston hasn't played much at all this season, and remains highly unproven at this point. He's appeared in just four games for Miami, and his high in playing time came way back during the team's second game of the season, when he saw 18 minutes of action, but was only able to contribute two points and three assists.
At this point, it's more likely that the Clippers will look to bring Fred Jones back (if he clears waivers) than take a chance on someone like Livingston. Even though the flashes of brilliance that he showed while in L.A. will always remind Clipper fans of what might have been, had he not sustained that brutal injury.