Clippers Strengthen: Bradley Beal Joins and Chris Paul Could Return
The LA Clippers have reinforced their squad for the upcoming NBA season, finalizing the arrival of the talented shooting guard Bradley Beal. After trying to acquire him on two previous occasions, they finally achieved their goal after a contract buyout agreement with the Phoenix Suns.But the news doesn’t end there. The Clippers are seriously considering the possibility of reuniting with their former star Chris Paul, a 20-year veteran who is currently a free agent. The management is looking to add more playmaking and ball-handling ability, and the return of Paul, known as the “quarterback” of the Lob City era, could be the key.“Third time’s the charm,” commented Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank.
Lawrence Frank
In addition to Beal, the Clippers have added power forward John Collins and center Brook Lopez, strengthening their roster and creating financial flexibility for future opportunities in the free agency market. Beal signed a two-year, $11 million contract with a player option. Collins will receive $26.5 million in the final year of his contract. James Harden agreed to a two-year contract for $81.5 million, with a partially guaranteed player option in the second year. Lopez signed for two years and $18 million, with a team option for the second year.“Chris is a great player. He’s a great Clipper. Obviously, he possesses some of the qualities we’re looking for. And, of course, we’re seriously considering him,” added Frank.
Lawrence Frank
Harden played an important role in Beal’s recruitment, even speaking on the phone with his agent for 30 minutes, according to Frank. Beal averaged 17 points and 38.6% on three-pointers in 53 games last season with the Suns. The Clippers believe Beal will fit better into their system, and they expect the 32-year-old player, with an average of 21.5 points, 4.3 assists and 4.1 rebounds throughout his career, to fill the void left by Norman Powell, who was traded to the Miami Heat. The arrival of Beal, along with Harden and Kawhi Leonard, promises to strengthen the Clippers’ offense and alleviate the ball-handling and distribution load.“We just wanted to build the best possible team while preserving financial flexibility,” explained Frank.
Lawrence Frank
After falling in the first round of the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets, the Clippers are confident that, with Leonard healthy, they will be able to compete at the top of the Western Conference. “With a healthy Kawhi at the start of the season, we feel we’re in a better place,” Frank concluded. Leonard feels good and has been working hard, ready to start training camp.“I think we can get a little more out of him here. With his pick-and-roll game, it’s different when you have the players we have spacing the court and the pivots he’ll play with. Whether it’s [Ivica Zubac], Brook or John Collins, and you have that good balance of defense and offense on the court,” Frank said.
Lawrence Frank
