With the LA Clippers not being as clear-cut a suitor as most thought for Chris Paul, there is a scenario where he chooses a rival and never ends up returning to the red, white, and blue uniform. The interest has always been there for Paul, but he may want more out of his next destination, such as a starting role or guaranteed minutes.
In the event Paul puts pen to paper elsewhere, what will the Clippers’ front office do with the remaining amount of the mid-level exception? They have approximately $5.3 million still available, and other options may be considered.
This could be Russell Westbrook, who many fans do not expect to return, or someone like Bradley Beal, who has a no-trade clause in his contract. Both will be a nightmare in their own ways, but the one with a more favorable outcome is Beal, no question.
Sure, he is being paid the big bucks, unreasonably, by the Suns; yet this season, he still averaged 17.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds, shooting 49.7% from the field and 38.6% from distance.
While these numbers may raise an eyebrow for some, Beal only showed up in 53 games. This will add insult to injury in what the Clippers have previously dealt with, making a disaster inevitable if he is added following a potential buyout that is rumored to occur.
It would take a mile, and more, to land Bradley Beal, and in the end, the Clippers would be left struggling
In a story published by Duane Rankin, the Phoenix Suns are reportedly at their last resort with Bradley Beal, and are looking to buy him out. A trade is seemingly impossible, because of his no-trade clause, so if this is what it will take for the front office to move on, then this is an option their front office will heavily consider.
Signing Beal as a free agent would make sense as a cheap backup option to Chris Paul, who could also replace Norman Powell if traded this summer. He is a talented enough scorer and can make plays when requested.
However, the Clippers have had bad experiences with injury-prone players one too many times. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are the most notable, but even in ‘Lob City, ’ LA could not stay healthy enough with Paul and Co., especially in the postseason.
Knowing this, the Clippers’ front office should refrain from an All-Star who has not shown up for 65 games since the 2018-19 season. It is simply not worth it, as LA would do just fine without him.