Beal gives up #3 to CP3: Paul returns to Clippers with his classic jersey number

Chris Paul Returns to Los Angeles Clippers with his Classic Number 3

The Los Angeles Clippers fanbase is celebrating. Chris Paul is not only returning to the team, but he will do so wearing his iconic number 3. Lawrence Frank, president of basketball operations, confirmed that the legendary point guard will continue with the number that has accompanied him during his 20-year career in the NBA. Bradley Beal, who has also worn the number 3 in his career with the Washington Wizards and the Phoenix Suns, offered to give up the number to Paul and will decide which one to use next season.

“He has worn the number 3 throughout his entire NBA career. Three All-Star appearances. I think he scored more than 17,000 points with the number 3. But he also knows what that number means to Chris and there’s a reason why it’s ‘CP3’. And just the importance of Chris returning to the Clippers. Brad offered to give Chris his number.

Lawrence Frank

Paul, 40 years old, returns to the team he played with for six seasons, from 2011 to 2017. He remains the team leader in assists and steals per game. Although his role will be different in his second stint with the Clippers. After starting in 1,314 of his 1,354 games played and starting all 82 games last season with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul will now have a primary role coming off the bench. Frank explained that the team consulted James Harden and Kawhi Leonard about Paul’s incorporation. The arrival of Paul completes an active offseason for the Clippers. The Los Angeles team finalized a new two-year deal with Harden, signed Beal after the shooting guard was released by the Suns, added power forward John Collins in a trade that sent Norman Powell to Miami and added Brook Lopez in free agency. Frank also revealed that Harden and Paul talked about the possibility of reuniting.