The Los Angeles Clippers have allowed Chris Paul’s iconic No. 3 jersey to be used again, paving the way for Bradley Beal to take the number in a controversial move.
Clippers reporter and The Athletic writer Law Murray shared the important revelation in his appearance on The Zach Lowe Show.
"Even right now, they are not showing that they are interested in even addressing their fans in any way possible. Everything has been defensive about what has come out and I mean, I don't even put this on Brad [Beal], because Brad gave up his number last year, he was here before Chris [Paul], and they have a great relationship. Brad wore 0 so Chris could have his number," Murray said.
"This isn't about Brad, this is about who makes these decisions to say, 'We're keeping this number out of circulation,' which they did when Chris wasn't here for seven years."
Bradley Beal takes Chris Paul's No. 3 jersey in Clippers
On Thursday, it was revealed that Bradley Beal will wear No. 3 for the Los Angeles Clippers, with his new jersey already available in the team’s online store.
In connection with Chris Paul, this development sparked further backlash toward the Clippers amid their salary-cap scandal involving Kawhi Leonard. Beal later addressed the controversy in an X post.
The Clippers notably sent Paul home during the 2025-26 season amid reports of having a feud with several members of the organization. This completely ruined what he desired a farewell season for his legendary career and tenure with the franchise.
He was then shipped to the Toronto Raptors before the 2026 trade deadline. As he was waived and failed to find a new team, Paul subsequently announced his retirement.
LA Clippers did Chris Paul wrong, not Bradley Beal
In the end, Murray insisted the Clippers are the ones responsible for the disrespectful surrender of Chris Paul's jersey number.
Beal wore No. 3 for 13 seasons before joining the Clippers in last year's offseason. He initially planned to keep it but immediately switched to No. 0 after Paul reunited with the team, allowing the future Hall of Famer to wear his iconic number as a sign of respect.
"And now, the first offseason Chris is done playing, they give this number so Brad's taking the heat, but let's apply the heat where it absolutely should be. And that's on a Clippers team that has been increasingly tone deaf over the last couple of years," Murray concluded.