Clippers Add Veterans Chris Paul and Bradley Beal to Bolster Roster
The LA Clippers have officially added two seasoned veterans to their roster, welcoming back guard Chris Paul and signing fellow guard Bradley Beal. The moves were announced by Lawrence Frank, the team’s president of basketball operations.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
The LA Clippers have officially added two seasoned veterans to their roster, welcoming back guard Chris Paul and signing fellow guard Bradley Beal. The moves were announced by Lawrence Frank, the team’s president of basketball operations.
“Chris is one of the most impactful players ever to wear a Clippers uniform, and it’s appropriate that he returns for this chapter of his career,” said Frank. “He’ll help fortify our backcourt with his ballhandling, playmaking and shooting. Chris is joining us as a reserve point guard and is excited to fill whatever role Coach [Ty] Lue asks of him.”
A Familiar Face Returns
Paul, 40, is one of the most decorated players in Clippers history. During his first stint with the team from 2011 to 2017, he averaged 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals across 409 games. He led the team to six consecutive playoff appearances and remains the franchise’s all-time leader in assists.
Last season, Paul played all 82 games for San Antonio, averaging 8.8 points, 7.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds in 28 minutes per game. He shot 42.7% from the field, 37.7% from three-point range, and 92.4% from the free-throw line. He posted 12 double-doubles and on Dec. 8 passed Jason Kidd for second place on the NBA’s all-time assists list.
A native of Winston-Salem, N.C., Paul holds career averages of 17.0 points, 9.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals over 1,354 games. A 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection, Paul was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Chris Paul will wear No. 3 for the Clippers. Beal offered to give up the number as soon as Paul’s signing became official, according to Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.
Beal Brings Firepower
Beal, 32, averaged 17.0 points, 3.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 53 games for the Phoenix Suns last season. He shot a career-high 49.7% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range.
“Brad is one of the most talented shooting guards in the NBA,” said Frank. “He’s a two-way player and a three-level scorer who brings additional shooting, ballhandling, and creation to our team. We’re honored he chose the Clippers.”
Head coach Ty Lue echoed that excitement: “Brad has been an All-Star, a scoring leader, and the best player on his team. You can put him in so many different spots—pick-and-roll, catch-and-shoot, off the ball—and he’ll find ways to score. He’s also a great playmaker who makes everyone around him better.”
A 13-year NBA veteran, Beal was drafted third overall by Washington in 2012. He’s a three-time All-Star, an All-NBA selection in 2020-21, and one of just nine active players to reach 17,000 career points and 1,700 three-pointers.
A New Chapter for the Clippers
With Paul and Beal joining a talented core, the Clippers continue to evolve in pursuit of a deeper playoff run. These additions not only bring veteran leadership and skill but signal a renewed focus on chemistry and versatility.
Whether coming off the bench or playing big minutes, both players are expected to make an immediate impact.
