In the aftermath of the NBA's historic punishment, the Los Angeles Clippers have only made matters worse with their latest move. After bringing back franchise legend Chris Paul last season, many thought they were going to have a year-long retirement tour for one of the best players in team history.
Unfortunately for Paul, the Clippers sent him home early, and he was later forced to retire unceremoniously. To make matters worse, the Clippers are apparently going to give Paul's number away next season.
If this is true it's embarrassing. You get caught circumventing the cap with Kawhi, the player you mortgaged your future for, and the first thing you do after, before you've even officially shipped Kawhi out, is put your actual franchise GOAT's number back in circulation? Huh??? https://t.co/obKoaNJXXL
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) September 10, 2026
Bradley Beal, who previously wore the number zero for the Clippers, is now expected to wear number three. It seems like an obvious dig at Paul, considering that was his number and he should have his jersey retired by the Clippers.
The Clippers are alienating franchise legend Chris Paul at every turn
Having another player wear his jersey number is a clear shot and suggests they don't plan on honoring CP3 anytime soon. Strangely enough, they appear to be actively alienating Paul. They did the same thing with franchise icon Blake Griffin.
They previously promised to have him retire as a Clipper only to trade him months later. Now, with the Kawhi Leonard debacle, it appears unlikely that the Clippers will have any franchise legends to honor by retiring their jerseys.
Perhaps Los Angeles is deserving of their punishment after all. Sure, they were found to have circumvented the salary cap. Yet their overall lack of regard for the rules, and even their players, proves they are deserving of their reputation as one of the worst franchises in professional sports.
The Clippers continue to damage their brand with baffling decisions
The Clippers can't seem to stay out of their own way. They spent decades being the laughing stock of the NBA, only for them to be saved by Lob City, which was spearheaded by Paul. He helped lead them to six playoff appearances in six seasons there and ranks first in all-time win shares among Clippers players.
Considering they made the playoffs just seven times in their first 42 seasons, I'd say Paul's time there was a massive success. Yet, they have seemingly done everything possible to alienate him. That doesn't exactly send a great message to stars who might be willing to play for the Clippers in the future.
Of course, with the punishment the NBA handed down, they may not attract top free agents for years to come. Then again, they probably did a great job of scaring away star free agents themselves.
Giving away Paul's jersey to Beal is just the latest in a series of dysfunctional things the Clippers have done. If they continue on this path, they won't ever be able to salvage their already bad reputation.
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