Beal to Wear Chris Paul's No. 3, Sparking Clippers Backlash

Bradley Beal is set to switch from No. 0 to No. 3 for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2026-27 season, according to a report from jersey number specialist Etienne Catalan, and the decision has stirred controversy because No. 3 is the number Chris Paul last wore with the franchise. Beal jerseys bearing his name and the No. 3 have already appeared for sale in the team's online store. The backlash stems from Paul's own account of his exit. Speaking on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Paul said Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank told him the organization planned to retire his No. 3 jersey in the same conversation in which he was informed he was being sent home. The Clippers have not confirmed or denied that account in this reporting, and no team official has publicly commented on the number reassignment. Paul's history with the franchise is extensive. He spent six seasons in Los Angeles from 2011 to 2017, remains the Clippers' all-time leader in assists, and helped usher in the longest sustained period of winning in team history. He returned for a second stint in 2025, but the team abruptly sent him home in December, accusing him of undermining the coaching staff.