The LA Clippers are bringing back shooting guard Bradley Beal on a two-year deal worth $13.2 million, according to confirmation from his agent, Mark Bartelstein. The agreement, which includes a second-year player option partially guaranteed for $3 million, brings the franchise to its maximum limit of 15 standard contracts ahead of the upcoming NBA season.
Contract Terms and Roster Mechanics
According to league sources speaking on condition of anonymity, the contract structure mirrors the flexibility both sides navigated last offseason. NBA reporter Chris Haynes initially broke the news of the agreement. The deal places Beal back in Los Angeles following a 2025-26 campaign that was derailed by injuries after the Clippers originally signed him following a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Suns.
Injury-Plagued 2025-26 Season and Rehabilitation
Beal’s previous season never gained traction due to a series of physical setbacks. Preseason left knee inflammation limited his availability early, followed by a back injury sustained when he drew a charge against the Suns during opening week. In November, Beal suffered a left hip fracture against Phoenix, restricting him to just six appearances and zero fourth-quarter minutes. He finished the year averaging career-lows of 8.2 points and 37.5 percent shooting across 20.2 minutes per game. During his rehabilitation, Beal maintained his relationship with Clippers senior performance physical therapist Jesse Phillips—whom Beal previously worked with during their shared time with the Washington Wizards.
Recruitment History and Tactical Fit
When Beal first arrived in Los Angeles, head coach Tyronn Lue planned to integrate him as a focal point in the offense while pressing him on defense. Clippers basketball president Lawrence Frank noted that former point guard James Harden actively recruited Beal, while front-office consultations with longtime executive Rod Thorn evaluated Beal’s utility beyond scoring. Before joining the Clippers, Beal averaged 17.6 points on 50.5 percent shooting in Phoenix under head coaches Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer, though he voiced frustration over being deployed as a screener rather than featured scorer. Beyond his on-court role, Beal also serves as a mentor to point guard Darius Garland, whom the Clippers acquired in February and who previously played for Bradley Beal Elite in high school.
Cap Circumvention Investigation and Next Steps
Beal’s signing puts the Clippers at 15 standard contracts, a figure that includes Kawhi Leonard but excludes Toronto Raptors players Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick. Those acquisitions remain on hold pending an ongoing NBA investigation into alleged cap circumvention by the Clippers. The team opens its regular season slate in October, with further roster determinations contingent upon the resolution of the league’s review.
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