The Los Angeles Clippers are preparing to seriously contend in the upcoming NBA season. In addition to retaining their core stars, they are actively looking for players to strengthen the roster—and Bradley Beal appears to be one of their main targets. However, there is a key factor that must align for the move to materialize.
“As long as Bradley Beal secures a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns, the LA Clippers are likely the leaders to sign the guard,” reported The Athletic recently, referring to the conditions that would allow the shooting guard to change teams this offseason.
Beal is under contract with the Suns for two more seasons, with a massive salary of $53.6 million for this year and $57.1 million for the 2026–27 campaign, according to HoopsHype. That has been one of the most common concerns regarding the 3rd overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. His value on the court has never been in question, but his high salary poses a challenge for teams interested in signing him.
Still, it appears unlikely that Bradley will remain in Arizona through the end of that deal. Reports indicate that Phoenix, now undergoing a rebuilding phase following Kevin Durant’s departure to the Houston Rockets, is looking to part ways with the guard sooner rather than later.
The Clippers are targeting another guard
In addition to the potential arrival of Bradley Beal, the Los Angeles Clippers are also interested in Chris Paul. The former San Antonio Spurs guard is a free agent and evaluating his options as he enters what could be his final NBA season, with the Clippers considered one of his top landing spots.
Coincidentally, the other option is the same team looking to offload Beal. “The Suns and Clippers have been the two potential spots for Paul since June 29,” said NBA insider Marc Stein. That means the 40-year-old is likely to return to a team he previously played for—either in LA or Phoenix.
“The Clippers’ salary cap management has indeed opened the door to signing both Bradley Beal (conditional on a Phoenix buyout) and reuniting with Chris Paul,” Stein added, highlighting a clear advantage Tyronn Lue’s team may have in pursuing both players.
The Clippers are building a strong team
By keeping Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers are preserving much of the core that led them to the playoffs last season. So far, they’ve added John Collins, who arrived in place of Norman Powell. If they manage to land both Chris Paul and Bradley Beal, they will shape a roster full of experience and talent—potentially positioning themselves as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference.
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