Sam Cassell told our L.A. Correspondent Robby Sikka that he wasn't likely to receive a buyout of his contract with the L.A. Clippers before the March 1 deadline to get on a playoff roster.

Cassell had expressed interest in being bought out so that he could chase a championship with a team like the Boston Celtics or Dallas Mavericks, but it now appears less likely that Clippers owner Donald Sterling will oblige.

Earlier in the week, publications like the Boston Globe offered headlines such as: "Cassell Would Add A Winning Element," and "C's Waiting On Cassell," but yesterday the L.A. Times wrote: "Cassell Still In Limbo On Buyout."

The language Cassell used with our L.A. Correspondent (at a Sprint store in Beverly Hills, no less), was stronger, as he said it was "unlikely" that he'll be bought out. Cassell added that he'll probably finish this season in a Clippers jersey, but look to join a contender like Boston in what could be his final year in 2008-09.

To listen to Sikka's (pictured below with Cassell) full report of his conversation with Cassell, just click below:

Cassell Conversation