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Reports: Chris Paul, Bradley Beal Targeted By Clippers After Norman Powell Trade

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Amulya Shekhar | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 5:28 PM ET

After signing James Harden to an extension worth $81 million, the Clippers needed to shed their books. They brought that change about by trading away Norman Powell while adding John Collins to the side. A team looking for youth will, however, have to choose between two veterans in Chris Paul and Bradley Beal. Latest reports suggest that these are two players being sought out by Lawrence Frank.

After the Phoenix Suns helped finish the largest trade in NBA history, the Clippers were the next team in the luxury tax to start thinking about roster and cap flexibility. It is clear that James Harden and Kawhi Leonard will be central to their plans for the near future. But retooling around these two stars required a change in emphasis. The Clippers have been found to lack physicality, energy and athleticism in past years.

While Norman Powell was undoubtedly a big contributor, the wing player did not make himself indispensable. Powell became the fourth option in the playoffs as he couldn’t generate separation against Christian Braun and Jamal Murray. The 2019 NBA champion had a skillset too redundant with Leonard and Harden to be considered untouchable. His defense has also declined considerably in Los Angeles.

BREAKING: The Clippers, Jazz and Heat have agreed to a trade that sends Norman Powell to Miami, John Collins to Los Angeles, and Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson and a 2027 Clippers second-round pick to the Jazz, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/o0FkV0o2l8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2025

Having already added Brook Lopez for two years as a free agent, the Clippers’ frontcourt looks a lot more robust with Collins and Zubac soaking up starter minutes at the 4 and the 5 spots. This team also presents a lot more rim protection and paint defense, given that they can expect to face Nikola Jokic in the playoffs.

However, this leaves a gaping hole at the guard spots for the team. As currently constructed, the only players capable of playing the 1 spot are Harden and Kris Dunn. While Dunn is a great defensive player, his ability to be a playmaker on offense is clearly not going to cut it. The Clippers will need reinforcements, and who better than a beloved franchise legend on a farewell tour to pursue for this role?

Latest reports suggest that Chris Paul and Bradley Beal could both be options for the Clippers this summer.

The Clippers are targeting Chris Paul and Bradley Beal after trading Norman Powell.

Here we go. pic.twitter.com/pq209vWPmL
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 7, 2025

How can the Clippers add Chris Paul or Bradley Beal to their roster

Adding Chris Paul would be a relatively simple task. Paul will likely settle for a veteran’s minimum contract, considering that the 2025-26 season is his farewell tour and he wants to end up with a ring to his name. This sum would be around $3.5 million to $4 million next season, a sum the Clippers can pay him without luxury tax implications.

Bradley Beal, on the other hand, will cause a lot of complications if the Clippers wish to add him. He will first need to be waived or bought out by the Phoenix Suns. Owner Mat Ishbia expects to get under the second apron, but that won’t be possible with either option. As things stand, it is extremely unlikely that Beal doesn’t start 2025-26 as a Phoenix Suns player. The math for a trade or a buyout just doesn’t make sense.

The Clippers will expect to get under the second apron after this trade goes through, which will allow them to spend a full taxpayers’ MLE if Beal does become available.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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