Bradley Beal has decided to voluntarily allow Chris Paul to take the No. 3 jersey as the two newest members of the Los Angeles Clippers join the team. According to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk, Beal has not yet determined which number he will don for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Beal recently agreed to a two-year, $11 million contract with the Clippers following a buyout with the Phoenix Suns on July 16. In a notable move, Paul inked a deal with the Clippers on Monday, marking his return to the franchise where he spent six seasons from 2011 to 2017. This move may signal a potential final NBA season for the veteran guard. Paul's return to Los Angeles aligns with the Clippers' championship aspirations for the 2025-26 season, although his fit seemed uncertain given the team’s crowded backcourt.

The addition of both Beal and Paul has created a robust depth chart for the Clippers that includes James Harden and Kris Dunn, providing a considerable advantage for head coach Tyronn Lue. While jersey numbers may not seem critical to professional players, it allows Paul to maintain a consistent identity throughout his career, where his jersey number and nickname—CP3—pay homage to his family lineage as the third 'CP' in his family. Beal has sported No. 3 throughout his 13 seasons in the NBA, having worn No. 23 during his college career at Florida. Beal's choice of No. 3 initially stemmed from his admiration for Dwyane Wade. However, if Beal wishes to revert to jersey No. 23, he may need to negotiate with Patrick Baldwin Jr., who currently holds that number after joining the Clippers in March.