Three-time All-Star Bradley Beal may have changed the trajectory of the Western Conference after signing a two-year $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers on July 18.
Beal signed with the team after agreeing to a buyout from the Phoenix Suns on July 16. He recently sat down with KMOV’s Tamar Sher and shared why he chose to sign with the Clippers.
“I need a ring,” Beal said to KMOV’s Sher.”I need a ring. You know, I want one bad. Um, and I feel like I got a new life of rejuvenation for sure.”
Clippers Reloaded
Beal will be joining a Clippers team that features Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. During free agency, the team signed Chris Paul, who played with the team from 2011-2017, and Brook Lopez.
Los Angeles re-signed Nicolas Batum on July 6 to retain wing depth as the team went on to trade Norman Powell to the Miami Heat on July 7.
Beal, who played with the Suns for two seasons, looks to capture his first NBA title. In his conversation with KMOV’s Sher, he elaborated on why he gave No.3 to Paul, who has sported the number his entire career.
“Chris is lucky we have a previous relationship outside of basketball, you know, where we’re good,” Beal said. “I actually grew up and played in his camps, too. So it was kind of like a big bro thing. Like, I had a choice, but I didn’t really have a choice. It was out of respect.”
First Banner?
With the offseason moves the Clippers made, the franchise is looking to get out of the shadow of the Los Angeles Lakers. The addition of Beal, Lopez, and Paul provides this team with roster depth.
Given Leonard’s injury history over the last few seasons, Beal could be seen as a top-two scoring option if injuries occur. However, if the team is able to stay healthy, it could cause matchup nightmares for opponents.
Beal is hungry to compete and be in a place that demands excellence. “I’m excited about the opportunity. Uh, new city, new environment, but a hungry environment, too,” Beal said.
“You know, I’m definitely excited about the opportunity to go win.”
Despite his underwhelming tenure in Phoenix, Beal averaged 17 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists as he shot 49.7% from the field.
The Clippers System
Although the three-time All-Star has played with elite talent, this will be his first time playing with pass-first guards. Paul, who is arguably one of the most decorated point guards in league history, could be a key to unlocking a new level for Beal.
Paul finished the 2024-25 season averaging 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists while shooting 37.7% percent from three.
On the flip side, Harden is another hybrid guard who can get others involved and make others around him better. Needless to say, he will be able to co-exist with Beal.
Harden finished the 2024-25 season averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists, during which he shot 87.4% from the charity stripe. He and CP3 played together with the Houston Rockets (2017-2019) and were one game away from reaching the NBA Finals.
Los Angeles head coach Tyronn Lue, who has been the head coach since 2020, will have plenty of options to choose from with the renovated roster.
Will this be the year of the Clippers?
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