Bradley Beal’s uncertain future may finally have some clarity. According to multiple reports, the three-time NBA All-Star is set to join the Los Angeles Clippers after a disappointing stint with the Phoenix Suns. While the move has some fans excited about the Clippers’ chances next season, not everyone is buying the hype.
With Damian Lillard’s headline-grabbing return to Portland, Beal’s expected move to Los Angeles is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about transactions of the offseason. After falling short of expectations in Phoenix, Beal was seeking a fresh start — and the Clippers appear ready to give him that opportunity.
He joins a roster already loaded with talent: James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac, and newly acquired forward John Collins from Utah. The bench also includes former All-Star Ben Simmons, adding even more name power to a star-studded group.
But former NBA champion and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins isn’t sold on the move — or on the Clippers’ future. “Nothing,” Perkins said bluntly on First Take when asked what Beal’s addition meant for the Clippers’ title chances.
Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the second half of the NBA game at PHX Arena on April 09, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“I’m just being real here, right? We was talking about maybe four years ago, we had Bradley Beal in the conversation with the likes of a Devin Booker, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell when it comes down to the two guard position,” Perkins continued. “But when you look at the Clippers and when you look at who they have, they [are] not doing anything but getting older”.
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NBA Rumors: James Harden played key role in Bradley Beal joining Clippers
Perkins names Clippers’ best player of last season
Despite a roster that includes two All-NBA players in Harden and Leonard, Perkins believes neither was the Clippers’ best performer last season. Harden had a strong regular season but struggled to carry that momentum into the playoffs. Leonard returned from injury and showed flashes of his former self late in the year, but his ongoing health concerns remain a major question mark.
Instead, Perkins pointed to center Ivica Zubac as the team’s standout. “The only bright spot in my opinion on this squad has been big [Ivica] Zubac, right? Big Zubac who had an impressive season last year… went toe-to-toe with [Nikola] Jokic last postseason in the seven game series and held his own,” he explained. Zubac is coming off the best season of his career, averaging 16.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 32.8 minutes per game — all career highs.
