Bradley Beal, Suns, Clippers
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Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns smiles during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 06, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Bradley Beal received a lot of criticism throughout his two-year stint with the Phoenix Suns. Luckily for him, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue came to his defense.
The Suns acquired Beal from the Washington Wizards during the 2023 offseason. They got him with the expectation that he can be a potent third scoring option behind the Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The team believed that scoring trio would elevate them into title contention, seeking a return to the NBA Finals after last appearing in 2021.
However, the Suns massively disappointed in their two seasons with the three stars. They suffered a first-round sweep to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 playoffs and missing the postseason altogether last season.
Beal garnered plenty of criticism for his inconsistencies, also missing 58 games throughout his two years due to injuries. He averaged 17.6 points, 4.3 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and one steal per game throughout his 106 appearances. He produced 16.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds per contest in the 2024 postseason, far from his All-Star numbers with the Wizards.
Beal went on to join the Clippers in the 2025 offseason, accepting a huge buy-out with the Suns. Lue reflected on the veteran guard’s time with Phoenix, believing that his efforts did not get enough recognition in comparison to Durant and Booker.
“When you play for a team like Phoenix like he did the last couple of years, you got Booker and KD, and you’re the third option,” Lue said, according to The Arizona Republic. “People like, ‘oh, he didn’t.’ He averaged 18 points, shot 50% from the field and 43% from 3.”
“Those are unbelievable stats,” Lue said. “But when you’re playing with KD and Book, it kind of gets overshadowed. I think by coming here, I think it’s a fresh start, and I think he’s going to be great for us.”
What Lies Ahead For Bradley Beal, Clippers
Bradley Beal, Suns, Clippers
GettyBradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the first half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on January 09, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
It’s clear that Tyronn Lue sees plenty of positives from Bradley Beal’s stint with the Suns. He believes that can translate to his current fit with the Clippers.
Beal presents himself as a solid third scoring option behind Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Unlike Kevin Durant and Devin Booker’s volume-scoring skillsets, Leonard and Harden are more playmaking-oriented. This means that they are capable of making plays for themselves and their teammates at a high level outside of scoring.
Harden is elite in this aspect, averaging 22.8 points while dishing out 8.7 assists per game last season. He won’t hesitate to launch the 3-ball, knocking down 35.2% of his shots from downtown.
Leonard dominates as a two-way player when healthy. He still plays at an All-Star level for the Clippers, showing that throughout the 2025 playoffs. He produced 25 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists in their first-round series against the Denver Nuggets.
Beal can come in to be that steady scorer and shooter for the Clippers. When Harden or Leonard are having off nights, he can step up to draw opponents’ attention away from his co-stars, benefitting Los Angeles in the process.
The Clippers were aggressive in the offseason, despite moving on from potent scorer Norman Powell. They added veterans Brook Lopez and Chris Paul while landing John Collins from the Utah Jazz, making their squad next season a seasoned yet dangerous one.