Bradley Beal to switch jersey number from 0 to 3

After a rough 2025-26 season in which he was limited to six games due to injury, Beal opted out of the second year of his deal to become an unrestricted free agent. While there was reportedly interest from the Heat, the veteran guard has decided to remain with the Clippers on a two-year deal. If healthy, Beal can offer excellent value to managers in points leagues. However, availability has been an issue, with the 33-year-old guard having last played at least 60 games in a season in 2020-21.

Beal’s first season with the Clippers did not go as planned, as he appeared in just six games before a fractured hip required season-ending surgery. The veteran guard opted out of the final year of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent, and he’s yet to find a new home. Miami has been mentioned as a possible destination for Beal, but various reports have the team’s priority being Dallas wing Klay Thompson. The Clippers are in a state of flux right now because Toronto has put the Kawhi Leonard trade on hold while the NBA continues its investigation into the contract he and Los Angeles agreed to years ago. While a healthy Beal can offer tangible fantasy value, his inability to stay healthy in recent years makes him a risky draft pick in standard leagues.

Beal has struggled to remain healthy in recent years, having appeared in 60 games just once in his last seven seasons. The 2025-26 campaign was the low point, as knee and hip injuries limited him to six games, with the latter requiring season-ending surgery. Had Beal exercised his player option to remain with the Clippers, he would have received a contract worth $5.26 million. Instead, he’ll hit unrestricted free agency. At his best, he’s capable of offering excellent fantasy value. However, due to the injuries, Beal is not a trustworthy option for fantasy managers.

Paul was waived by the Raptors on Friday afternoon and shortly afterwards, took to Instagram to announce his official retirement, saying, “This is it! After over 21 years, I’m stepping away from basketball.” Paul had previously announced that this would be his final season, but then tensions flared with the Clippers earlier in the year, which led to his departure from the team. Paul was a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA point guard, five-time assists leader, nine-time All-NBA defensive team honoree, and two-time Olympic gold medalist with the United States men’s basketball team. He averaged 16.8 points, 9.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds in his career and will undoubtedly be a Hall of Famer.

The Clippers “severed ties” with Paul two months ago, and while he technically has a new home, it likely isn’t a permanent one. The Raptors aren’t having CP3 report and could either trade or waive him. At 40 years old, Paul will likely look to find a contender to join, though it is unlikely he finds a team that will give him a large role.

Haynes’ initial report said the Clippers were “severing ties” with Paul, and the team released a statement confirming that. Paul also posted on Instagram at 2:40 a.m. in Atlanta, where the Clippers are playing on Wednesday, that he is being sent home. Paul announced previously that this would be his final season, so this could give him an opportunity to join a contending team to close out his career. That was likely the idea with the Clippers, along with Paul enjoying some of the best seasons of his career with them, but the team has started off 5-16. CP3 has played a small reserve role this year, so his departure may open up a few minutes for Kris Dunn and Cam Christie, but it won’t significantly alter the rotation.

Paul is in his 21st season in the NBA. The 40-year-old point guard, who is back in his home state of North Carolina to take on the Hornets, posted on social media that he’s “grateful for this last one.” Paul seems to be implying this will be his last game against the Hornets in North Carolina. The 12-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA point guard was the fourth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft by the Hornets. After Paul officially retires, the only question will be when, not if, he’s elected to the basketball hall of fame.

While Frank also said that Leonard is progressing well in his recovery, he revealed that the star forward is dealing with two injuries, not just the sprained left ankle suffered during a November 3 loss to the Heat. Leonard does not have a timeline for his return, but he will travel with the team on its upcoming road trip, which begins in Dallas on Friday. Kris Dunn moved into the starting lineup in the immediate aftermath of Leonard’s injury and will likely retain that role, especially with Bradley Beal (hip) done for the season.

Beal was in and out of the lineup with a knee injury and his overall effectiveness seemed to be in decline so far with the Clippers this season. The 32-year-old shooting guard missed Monday’s game against the Hawks with a hip injury and while there was concern he could miss more time, season-ending surgery is a bit of a surprise. Now that Beal’s out for the year, John Collins could see a boost in fantasy value by moving into starting lineup.

Initially questionable for Monday’s game, Beal is out with a sore hip. He’ll be replaced in the starting lineup by John Collins, with Kris Dunn serving as the starting two-guard. Collins’ fantasy value has suffered this season, as Derrick Jones Jr. has remained a starter and played well. Collins is already rostered in most 12-team leagues, and the lineup change gives his fantasy value a welcome boost. There is some concern that Beal’s hip injury will keep him out for multiple games; he’s undergoing further testing to determine the severity.