The LA Clippers got close to absolute zero from Bradley Beal this season, but they should be getting another bite at the apple next season.
Beal is expected to remain on the Clippers’ roster for the 2026-27 season, Law Murray of The Athletic reported on Thursday. The three-time All-Star Beal notably has a $5.6 million player option for next season.
After signing with the Clippers over the summer, Beal appeared in just six total games for the team, averaging 8.2 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. His season then came to an end in early November because of a hip fracture that required surgery.
In (presumably) picking up his $5.6 million player option for 2026-27, Beal will be making just above the projected $3.9 million minimum salary for players with 10 or more years of NBA experience (like Beal has). But due to his season-ending injury, Beal will need to lock in every extra dollar that he can at this point.
The greater question though is where Beal might fit in with the Clippers once he gets back next season. He will turn 33 years old in June, and severe hip injuries after often effectively career-enders for older NBA players.
On top of that, the Clippers, who got off to a horrible 6-21 start, are now one of the hottest teams in the league. They have won 16 of their last 19 games and now safely occupy a play-in spot at 22-24 overall. That has been in part due to the effective contributions they have gotten from younger wings like Kobe Sanders, Jordan Miller, and Cam Christie, all of whom have gotten extra run in the wake of Beal’s extended absence.
Beal was once a 30-ppg scorer, but his value has crashed over the last couple of years, especially after his failed tenure with the Phoenix Suns. While the Clippers’ stars were vocal over the summer about wanting Beal on the roster, he will likely be returning to a very uncertain situation for himself in Los Angeles next season.
