Bradley Beal will wear a No. 3 jersey this upcoming season, just months after Chris Paul said he was told the Los Angeles Clippers would retire his number.
Beal sported the jersey number for his first 13 seasons with the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns but switched to No. 0 last season after Paul rejoined the Clippers for his final NBA campaign.
Beal appeared to address the situation on social media on Thursday.
He’s a legend!
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) September 10, 2026
The HISTORY and BRAND can’t be touched, nor erased!!!
Paul spent the prime of his career in Los Angeles, leading the team to a franchise-record six consecutive playoff appearances. The future Hall of Famer was a perennial MVP candidate during his Clippers tenure and remains the club's all-time assist leader.
Paul signed a one-year, $3.6-million contract with Los Angeles in July 2025. However, the Clippers abruptly parted ways with the 12-time All-Star in December amid reported tension between Paul and head coach Tyronn Lue.
Chris Paul details convos with Kawhi, Ty Lue and Lawrence Frank ahead of his abrupt exit from the Clippers 👀 pic.twitter.com/fG3ojh2YE4
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) February 17, 2026
L.A. traded Paul to the Toronto Raptors last February as part of a three-team trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Raptors waived the former No. 4 overall pick after they couldn't find a suitor for him.
Shortly after being cut by Toronto, Paul announced his retirement from the NBA following 21 seasons.
