Credit: Sam Hodde/Nic Antaya via Getty Images

‘Don’t work…’ Jeff Teague says LA Clippers need one more signing to become contenders after Bradley Beal acquisition

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 10:27 AM ET

Jeff Teague spoke about the LA Clippers signing Bradley Beal in free agency, and how one more signing could put them over as contenders.

The LA Clippers have done an incredible job addressing the flaws in their roster this offseason. The franchise looks committed to competing for a championship next season.

After extending James Harden’s Clippers contract, the front office got to work on bringing in some key pieces to the team.

The Clippers traded Norman Powell to land John Collins in an unexpected three-team deal. Given how Powell played last season, his departure wasn’t on the cards for many Clippers fans or analysts.

The Clippers also added Brook Lopez to be Ivica Zubac’s backup in another strong piece of business. With a gap left at shooting guard with Powell’s exit, the Clippers had to make another move.

And that’s what they did when the Clippers signed former All-Star Bradley Beal after his Phoenix Suns buyout. Jeff Teague praised the move, but warned the Clippers that they need another move to make this work.

Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images

Jeff Teague says LA Clippers need Chris Paul to make Bradley Beal signing work

Former NBA champion Jeff Teague spoke on his Club 520 podcast about the LA Clippers signing Bradley Beal.

While he likes the move, Teague is wary of Beal’s fit on the Clippers. However, if the Clippers can sign Chris Paul like rumors suggest, the veteran point guard can help make things work for them.

“I’m happy for him [Beal] and I’m happy for the Phoenix Suns… He gets to go to a team playing winning basketball [Clippers]. I don’t know if it was the best fit. But he fills a need for them, though…

“I’d love it if they get CP3. If they get CP, I love it. If they don’t get CP, I don’t know… They got a squad. But I’m just thinking… If they don’t have CP, it doesn’t work.

“Because we love James Harden, but they need somebody else (other) than James Harden, that can come and settle them down and still get some offense going for them.”

Bradley Beal must put the past issues behind him and set veteran standard

The arrival of Bradley Beal gives the LA Clippers their starting shooting guard ahead of the new season. But there is one big problem.

A Clippers starting backcourt of James Harden and Bradley Beal sounds like a massive defensive liability. Even at the best, neither player is a particularly strong defender.

Now, as both Clippers stars are past their primes, they must also take into consideration the role they play as leaders on the team.

Beal, especially, has earned a negative reputation in the NBA for being a selfish player. His Suns stint shone a light on his lack of impact on winning basketball.

On the Clippers, Beal must make sure he sheds this reputation. The former All-Star is a natural scorer.

But for the Clippers, he must make improving defensively a priority in the months to come, so he can set the standard for the younger players on a team that is competing for an NBA championship.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: