Clippers Allowing Bradley Beal to Wear Chris Paul’s To-Be-Retired No. 3 Jersey Angers Fans – “They’re a Disgraceful Organization”

Bradley Beal and Chris Paul played together briefly on the Los Angeles Clippers until the latter was booted out midway through the season.

Clippers Allowing Bradley Beal to Wear Chris Paul’s To-Be-Retired No. 3 Jersey Angers Fans – “They’re a Disgraceful Organization”

Bradley Beal and Chris Paul (Image via Clip Twitta/ESPN/X)

When the Los Angeles Clippers signed Bradley Beal, he knew he would not be able to use the No. 3 jersey since franchise legend Chris Paul was already on the roster, and he had also used that number throughout the year.

Since the latter was going to retire by the end of the 2025-26 season, it was not going to be a problem for the shooting guard to get his number back once Paul leaves the game.

However, there was also the thought that the franchise might not allow Beal to use the number since Paul has been instrumental in turning the organization’s fortunes during his first stint.

That led the now-retired point guard to claim while on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast that President of Basketball Operations, Lawrence Frank, told him that his jersey would be retired moments before cutting him.

It was enough to indicate that even though the future Hall of Famer could not finish his career the way he wanted, knowing that his jersey would be immortalized gave Paul some solace.

Bradley Beal is switching from No. 0 to No. 3 for the Clippers. Number last worn by Chris Paul in 2025.

Etienne Catalan revealed on X

This revelation means that Bradley Beal will be using the No. 3 jersey next season, set aside for retirement, and that is where the news blew up on social media.

RELATED
LeBron James and Stephen Curry Lead Tributes to Chris Paul After Ending 21-Season Career

Fans tear into Clippers and Bradley Beal for continuous Chris Paul disrespect

Basketball fans have not forgotten how the Los Angeles Clippers unceremoniously booted Chris Paul while on his retirement journey. The 41-year-old has also talked about how disrespectful that was.

Now, allowing Bradley Beal to use the jersey number they plan to retire soon left everyone with a bad taste in their mouths. They took to social media to flame both the franchise and the shooting guard for even requesting this. Check out examples of those reactions below.

The three-time All-Star has just renewed his contract with the Clippers, and may have thought, why not use the number since Paul is no longer with the organization. However, fans do not want to hear any such things about the franchise that has made it a habit of disrespecting the game.

RELATED
Chris Paul Trolls Clippers After Fumbling 13-Point Lead Against Stephen Curry’s Warriors

Bradley Beal justifies using Chris Paul’s number

Bradley Beal became acutely aware of the backlash after the news broke that he was taking over Chris Paul‘s number, even though the Clippers committed to retiring it. He took to X to explain to the angry fans that he was not disrespecting his former teammate.

Bradley Beal has used No. 3 throughout his career
Beal has used No. 3 throughout his career (Image via Basket Ives/X)

He’s a legend! The HISTORY and BRAND can’t be touched, nor erased!!!

Bradley Beal wrote on X

The 33-year-old is making it clear that he is not hampering the legacy created by Paul, and that the jersey number switch is not that big a deal as fans are making it out to be.

Also Read: