LA Clippers guard Bradley Beal is expected to wear No. 3 next season, the number long associated with franchise legend Chris Paul. Beal's new jersey number is available on the team's online store, and league sources told ESPN that Beal plans to wear it.

Beal addressed the situation on social media: "He's a legend. The HISTORY and BRAND can't be touched, nor erased!!!"

Beal, 33, wore No. 3 for his first 13 seasons with the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns before switching to No. 0 last season with the Clippers to accommodate Paul. Paul, 41, wore No. 3 for the Clippers from 2011 to 2017 and during his short return last season. The Clippers initially gave No. 3 to Beal after signing him in 2025, but team president Lawrence Frank said Beal offered the number back to Paul once he joined.

After being sent home in December 2025, Paul announced his retirement in February after 21 seasons. He said Frank told him his No. 3 jersey would eventually be retired. Beal wearing No. 3 doesn't preclude a future jersey retirement for Paul. Paul called his departure "probably one of the most disrespectful things I've endured."

Beal re-signed with the Clippers on a two-year, $13.2 million contract this summer.