The Los Angeles Clippers are likely to make much-needed additions to their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Following a first-round exit in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Clippers needed to make some changes to their roster.
Well, the biggest move that the organization made was trading Norman Powell to the Miami Heat. In a three-team trade, the Clippers received John Collins from the Utah Jazz. Lastly, Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, and the Clippers’ 2027 second-round pick were sent to the Jazz.
While acquiring Collins gives the Clippers a talented big man, they are now in need of a point guard.
Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty ImagesRamona Shelburne wants LA Clippers to sign Bradley Beal and Chris Paul
With James Harden signing a contract extension, he will likely move back to his natural position, shooting guard. As a result, the Clippers need to add a starting-caliber PG to their roster.
Bradley Beal has been tipped off as a potential suitor if he negotiates a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns.
Additionally, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Clippers should try to acquire 20-year NBA veteran Chris Paul. Shelburne initially picked CP3 to go back to Phoenix, but now wants him in LA instead.
“Last week on this show I talked about I thought the Phoenix Suns would be the most likely landing place for him,” Shelburne said.
She added: “I’m going to expand that, or maybe amend it, and say, I think the Los Angeles Clippers make a lot of sense for him.”
So, what does that mean for the Clippers’ pursuit of Beal? Shelburne wants the organization to sign them both.
“Now that they’ve traded Norman Powell, they need an extra reinforcement in the backcourt. And Bradley Beal is out there, but why not have both Bradley Beal and Chris Paul?” Shelburne concluded.
Can Chris Paul and Bradley Beal co-exist on the LA Clippers?
On paper, the idea of adding Paul and Beal to the backcourt may sound exciting, but Harden’s presence on the roster makes it difficult.
Beal is no longer the scoring machine he once was with the Washington Wizards, but he can still produce close to 20 points per game for the team. However, that’s when Beal plays as a shooting guard for the team.
Stats (2024-25)Bradley Beal Chris PaulPoints17.0 PPG8.8 PPGRebounds3.3 RPG3.6 RPGAssists3.7 APG7.4 APGGames5382
On the other hand, Paul may be past his prime, but he can still handle the playmaking duties on a team as he proved by dishing out 7.4 assists per game for the San Antonio Spurs last season.
So the question is, where does Harden fit in on this roster? Well, the obvious answer is that head coach Tyronn Lue moves Harden to the PG position and starts Beal at SG.
In this case, the Clippers will bring CP3 off the bench. Considering Paul is already 40 years old and has hinted at this being his final year in the NBA, he could contribute well from the bench.
But that is the case if the Clippers sign both Beal and Paul; if they go ahead with just one of them, that’ll make life easier for coach Lue.