The Los Angeles Clippers made a significant shift to their roster this week, sending Norman Powell to the Miami Heat in a three-team deal that brought in power forward John Collins from the Utah Jazz. The move bolstered a frontcourt that now includes Collins, Ivica Zubac, and Brook Lopez—forming a more physically imposing and versatile trio than in recent years. But while the trade addressed one long-standing need, it opened another: scoring in the backcourt.
Powell, who averaged nearly 22 points per game last season on an efficient 41.8% from deep, leaves behind a scoring void the Clippers will need to fill if they hope to compete in a loaded Western Conference. The current backcourt group features James Harden, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and defensive specialist Kris Dunn—but beyond that, there’s little offensive punch or proven depth. That’s why Los Angeles is now targeting three veteran guards: Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, and Malcolm Brogdon.
Bradley Beal: A Scoring Option with Questions
Beal’s name has surfaced frequently in connection with the Clippers, especially with the Phoenix Suns reportedly exploring options to move off his massive contract. Should a buyout materialize—a plausible scenario given the Suns’ salary cap concerns—Beal would immediately become one of the most intriguing players on the market.
While Beal is no longer the All-NBA scorer who once averaged over 30 points per game, he remains an efficient offensive player. In 2024-25, he posted 17.0 points per game on a 49.7/38.6/80.3 shooting line—numbers that suggest he can still space the floor and score in bunches. That said, his diminished production in Phoenix and questions about his defensive impact raise concerns.
From a roster construction standpoint, Beal wouldn’t be asked to carry the offensive load in L.A. Instead, he’d slot in as a high-level complementary piece next to Harden and Kawhi Leonard, potentially taking on a hybrid shooting guard/sixth man role. Importantly, a post-buyout Beal would likely command far less than the $50+ million he’s currently owed—making him a potential value addition.
Chris Paul: A Farewell Tour in Familiar Territory?
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If Beal offers scoring, Chris Paul represents stability. The 40-year-old point guard is expected to play one final season and has expressed a desire to finish his career closer to family in Los Angeles. The Clippers, the team with which Paul spent six of his most iconic seasons, offer a logical landing spot.
Paul’s 2024-25 campaign with the Spurs saw him average 8.8 points and 7.4 assists per game while maintaining a solid assist-to-turnover ratio and shooting nearly 38% from three. While his quickness has diminished, Paul remains a savvy floor general and locker-room leader—a potentially invaluable piece for a Clippers team looking to finally break through in the playoffs.
Unlike Beal, Paul would likely sign for the veteran minimum, which wouldn’t affect L.A.’s salary cap standing. He wouldn’t be expected to start, but as a bench stabilizer and mentor to Harden, Paul could play a meaningful role.
Malcolm Brogdon: The Dark Horse
The third name drawing interest is Malcolm Brogdon, the 2023 Sixth Man of the Year. Brogdon is a capable two-way guard who averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds last season with the Wizards. He offers positional flexibility and can defend at a high level when healthy. That last qualifier, however, is key: Brogdon has struggled with injuries, appearing in just 24 games last season.
Still, for a team seeking reliable depth, Brogdon could be a low-risk, high-reward signing. He’s unlikely to command a large contract and could step into a hybrid starter/bench role depending on how the Clippers’ rotation evolves.
Balancing Star Power with Clippers Fit
The Clippers’ front office, led by Lawrence Frank, has shown it’s willing to be aggressive. The Powell-Collins swap was the latest example, designed to balance the roster and avoid the pitfalls that plagued recent seasons. But with a thinner backcourt and a desire to maximize what may be the final competitive window of the Harden-Leonard era, L.A. can’t afford to get this next move wrong.
Beal offers the most upside. Paul provides the most familiarity and leadership. Brogdon brings perhaps the best blend of offense, defense, and flexibility—assuming health.
With their luxury tax status now slightly more flexible, the Clippers will likely wait for Beal’s buyout situation to resolve before making their next move. But no matter the outcome, it’s clear the team views the backcourt as unfinished business—and that one (or more) of these three veterans could be the final piece in their 2025-26 puzzle.