Step one of the LA Clippers' master plan over the last two weeks has been completed, as Bradley Beal was signed by the LA Clippers today on a two-year, one-plus-one (player option) deal worth $11 million. This is a superb signing because Beal will fill Norman Powell's role, albeit for much less money.
Moreover, the value behind this deal is absurd, given Beal's numbers this season of 17.0 points per game, 3.7 assists per game, and 3.3 rebounds per game, with a true shooting percentage of 59.8. Behind his scoring is a 22.1 usage-percentage, after Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, which portrays that impacting the half-court away from the ball is seamless for the three-time All-Star.
Step two is to add Chris Paul into the second-unit backcourt with Bogdan Bogdanović. Both will thrive, as will Brook Lopez, as Paul just played 82 games and averaged over seven assists on just 1.6 turnovers.
If accomplished, Beal and Paul make a team that, on paper, is significantly better than they were when their 50th win was recorded in 2024-25, boosting them closer to winning the Western Conference and possibly even the NBA Finals.
However, one massive consequence that must be considered before adding Chris Paul, just after Beal, is the logjam in minutes. A contributing bench piece will be moved to a reserve, and a rising young star will be out of an opportunity he thought was available.
The aftermath of Chris Paul and Bradley Beal, two veteran guards, must be severely assessed by the LA Clippers' front office
With Bradley Beal starting, Bogdan Bogdanović will be the guard off the bench with Chris Paul for the LA Clippers. This creates a dilemma for Kris Dunn, meaning the front office will have to trade him or Bogdanović after Paul is inevitably signed.
However, this can be done and is not the theme of the picture. Cam Christie's evolution is more important, and with fewer opportunities as the backup shooting guard, his sophomore year will be almost fully dedicated to the San Diego Clippers, LA's G-League affiliate squad.
This is unfair for Christie, as he is shining as bright as a diamond in the summer league, showing Tyronn Lue and Lawrence Frank that he has grown and deserves to be trusted.
Paul and Beal may be able to assist him in his progression, but Christie's minutes, like those in 2024-25, will be inconsistent, which will affect his confidence, hands-on experience, and development.