Bradley Beal Passes No. 3 Jersey to Chris Paul as Clippers Backcourt Adds Veteran Stars

NBA Trade Rumors: Bradley Beal Passes No. 3 Jersey to Chris Paul as Clippers Backcourt Adds Veteran Stars

There won’t be a jersey number standoff in Los Angeles: Bradley Beal has graciously decided to give up his No. 3 jersey so Chris Paul can wear it for his return season with the Los Angeles Clippers.

As reported by ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, Beal offered the number to Paul, who has famously worn No. 3 throughout his career, dating back to high school and college. Paul’s “CP3” moniker is a tribute to being the third Charles Paul in his family—after his father and brother.

Beal has yet to decide what number he’ll wear for the upcoming 2025-26 season. While he wore No. 23 during his lone season at Florida, that number is currently held by Patrick Baldwin Jr., who joined the Clippers in March and split time between the NBA and G League.

Clippers’ Backcourt Now Stacked with Veteran Talent

Both Beal and Paul joined the Clippers this offseason on budget-friendly deals: Beal signed a two-year, $11 million contract after a buyout with the Phoenix Suns, while Paul agreed to a one-year, $3.6 million deal after parting ways with the San Antonio Spurs.

Paul’s return to Los Angeles brings him back to the franchise where he played from 2011 to 2017, helping transform the team into a perennial playoff contender during the "Lob City" era.

The Clippers’ crowded backcourt now features Chris Paul, Bradley Beal, James Harden, and Kris Dunn, giving head coach Tyronn Lue multiple ball-handling and scoring options as the team looks to compete for a title in 2025-26.

A Jersey Number with Meaning

For Beal, No. 3 has sentimental value as well. He’s worn it throughout his 13-year NBA career, inspired by his admiration for Dwyane Wade, one of his childhood basketball heroes. Though giving it up may not have been easy, the gesture shows a high level of respect for Paul and reflects the team-first mindset both stars are bringing to their new squad.

With title expectations mounting and a veteran-heavy roster, the Clippers are hoping these moves—and the chemistry they spark—will finally propel the team to its long-awaited first NBA championship.