The Los Angeles Clippers have made a significant addition by acquiring Bradley Beal, bolstering their star-studded lineup for the upcoming NBA season. However, with James Harden secured as the team‘s primary floor general, the franchise is now focused on securing a reliable backup to support Harden during crucial moments. The decision on who will fill this backup point guard role could determine the Clippers’ depth and competitiveness throughout the season.
NBA insider Shams Charania reports that the Clippers have been monitoring a seasoned veteran, aged 40, as a candidate to fill this need, illustrating the franchise’s intention to build a championship-caliber roster that balances star power and experience.
Chris Paul Tops List as Preferred Backup Point Guard Option
James Harden remains a dominant force for the Clippers after signing a two-year contract reportedly worth $81.5 million this offseason. Despite Harden’s elite performance, the team’s reserve point guard options remain limited, prompting the front office to seek reinforcements ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. According to Charania, the Clippers plan to approach this need cautiously without rushing into a signing.
Chris Paul is prominently mentioned as the leading candidate to fill the backup point guard position. This interest aligns with Paul’s personal desire to play closer to his family in Los Angeles, possibly in what could be his final NBA season.
“The one need for the Clippers right now is the point guard position, a reverse guard coming off the bench,”
Charania stated.
“I’m told they have Chris Paul on their radar among some other free agent guards as well.”
—Shams Charania, NBA Insider
Chris Paul’s experience and leadership make him an attractive fit for the Clippers’ ambitions. Last season with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, demonstrating that he remains capable of contributing at a high level even in a reduced role. However, the Clippers face competition for his services from the Los Angeles Lakers, who are also in need of a backup point guard, setting the stage for a city rivalry over the veteran playmaker.
Malcolm Brogdon: The Clippers’ Secondary Backup Option
If the Clippers fail to secure Chris Paul, Malcolm Brogdon stands as the next viable candidate. Brogdon, a 6’4″ facilitator, struggled through an injury-plagued season with the Washington Wizards, appearing in just 24 games. This limited availability, coupled with likely reduced salary demands compared to his previous $22.5 million contract, makes him a cost-effective, if somewhat risky, alternative.
“The team won’t be signing both Paul and Brogdon. Right now, the sense is that Brogdon would be the Clippers’ top choice for their backup point guard spot if Chris Paul shocks everyone and goes elsewhere.”
—Brett Siegel, NBA Analyst
During his abbreviated 2024 season, Brogdon posted averages of 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.1 assists, alongside shooting 43.3 percent from the field and a subpar 28.6 percent from three-point range. Despite these struggles, his career numbers suggest a more reliable contributor, as he has maintained averages of 15.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, including strong shooting percentages throughout his career.
Brogdon’s health remains a critical factor. When fully fit, he provides steady scoring and playmaking off the bench, which would be valuable for a Clippers team that requires dependable support for Harden and Beal.
Balancing Experience and Potential to Maximize Championship Chances
The Clippers face a pivotal decision between established experience and long-term upside. Chris Paul’s championship pedigree and leadership qualities could provide immediate stability, mentorship, and clutch production from the bench. Conversely, Malcolm Brogdon offers a blend of youth and upside if he can overcome recent health obstacles and return to form.
With their core strengthened by James Harden’s floor leadership and Bradley Beal’s scoring prowess, pinpointing the ideal backup point guard is a critical step toward maintaining a balanced roster capable of enduring the pressures of a deep playoff run. This decision will impact the Clippers’ tactical flexibility and endurance as they target a championship in the highly competitive Western Conference.
As the offseason progresses, the Clippers intend to remain deliberate in filling this gap, preserving financial flexibility and roster versatility while pursuing the ideal player to complement their star lineup. The outcome of this pursuit may shape the trajectory of their season and influence their ability to challenge for the NBA title.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Bradley Beal be waived?
A. The Suns have Liddell on their roster. If they release Beal without alterations, they cannot spread his contract cost due to legal limits. Beal would need to sacrifice around $13.9 million from his contract to make the stretch legal.
Q. Can the Suns get rid of Bradley Beal?
A. Bradley Beal’s time with the Phoenix Suns seems to be ending soon, whether he’s been there for hours, days, weeks, or months. Many reports indicate that Beal is likely to have his contract bought out soon, which would officially conclude his stint with the team.
Q. Only two players in the NBA have a no-trade clause. Do you know which players? That’s right! It’s LeBron James and Bradley Beal.
A. Which NBA player has a no-trade clause?