Bradley Beal has officially signed with the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year contract worth $11 million, following a buyout from the Phoenix Suns. This move, confirmed in July 2025, marks a fresh chapter for Beal, who expressed a renewed hunger to win an NBA championship alongside key players like Chris Paul. The Clippers add Beal to help bolster their roster for a strong title contention in the upcoming seasons.
Beal’s transition to the Clippers comes after he spent part of the previous season with the Suns, where injuries limited him to just 53 games and prevented a playoff run. Despite earlier seasons where Beal consistently qualified for end-of-season awards, recent health setbacks and contract complications led to this change. Now, reunited with former NBA All-Star Paul and joining stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, Beal has embraced a new opportunity focused on winning a championship.
Beal’s Impact and Role Within the Clippers’ Lineup
Bradley Beal’s arrival in Los Angeles is expected to complement the existing core, including Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, rather than simply act as a third star alongside them. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue highlighted Beal’s versatility and scoring ability, praising his capacity to adapt to multiple roles while elevating his teammates’ performances.
Tyronn Lue commented,
“Players of this caliber are very rare. He’s been the best player on his team. You can put him in so many different spots and he’ll find ways to score … he’s also a great playmaker who is going to make everybody else better.”
This endorsement reflects the high expectations placed on Beal to enhance the Clippers’ offensive threats as they chase a championship run.
Chris Paul’s Return and Beal’s Gesture of Respect
The Clippers also welcomed back veteran point guard Chris Paul, who recently re-signed after a season with the San Antonio Spurs. Paul’s leadership and durability stood out last season as he played all 82 games amid a challenging Spurs roster beset by injuries and off-court issues, including Victor Wembanyama’s health scare and De’Aaron Fox’s surgery.
Paul’s reunion with the Clippers means he will continue to wear his iconic No. 3 jersey. Out of respect and admiration, Bradley Beal willingly gave up the same number to Paul upon joining Los Angeles, underscoring the strong bond between the two players.
Beal lightheartedly explained,
“Chris is lucky we have a previous relationship outside of basketball. It was kind of like a ‘Big Bro’ thing. I had a choice, but I didn’t really have a choice.”
He further acknowledged the significance of Paul’s legacy with the team and the importance of honoring it this season.
Reflecting on the possibility that this might be Paul’s final NBA season, Beal shared his hopes:
“If it is, and I had the opportunity to share the floor with him, then I want him to have the number he came up with.”
From Phoenix Suns to Clippers: A New Chapter for Beal and Former Suns Stars
Bradley Beal’s departure from Phoenix concluded the recent “Big Three” era there, where he, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant once formed the core. Following Durant’s exit and Beal’s buyout, Booker remains the Suns’ primary star. Beal’s move reflects his determination to find a winning environment and chase a ring with a team ready to contend immediately.
In discussing his mindset coming into this new chapter with the Clippers, Beal said,
“I need a ring, I feel like I’ve got a new life … a new hunger. I’m excited about the opportunity … to go win.”
The Road Ahead: Expectations for the Clippers’ Title Pursuit
The addition of Bradley Beal to the Clippers’ roster, alongside returning leader Chris Paul and stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, sets the stage for a strong push toward the NBA championship. With Beal embracing a fresh sense of urgency, his versatile scoring, and playmaking skills are anticipated to create more offensive balance and depth.
Chris Paul’s veteran leadership and Beal’s willingness to support his teammate’s legacy exemplify the team’s focus on unity and shared goals. As the Clippers prepare for the upcoming season, their collective experience and hunger for success could translate into one of the franchise’s most promising title runs.
This partnership between Beal and Paul, symbolized by the jersey number gesture, highlights the Clippers’ commitment to integrating talent with respect for legacy, offering hope to fans eager to see the team break through in a highly competitive Western Conference.