In late June, Bradley Beal declined his $5.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers, making him an unrestricted free agent. After a short first stint in Los Angeles that ended with a hip fracture, it appeared the three-time All-Star’s time with the Clippers was over.
That changed when NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Thursday that Beal had agreed to return to LA on a two-year, $13.2 million deal, immediately prompting the WNBA world to react.
Bradley Beal Agrees to $13.2M Clippers Return, Leaving NBA Community With Plenty of Reactions and Questions
Beal’s first Clippers season ended almost as quickly as it began. According to Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, Beal felt pain in his hip during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns. MRI and CT scans the following day confirmed a fracture.
Frank described it as a “very, very fluky injury,” bringing Beal’s season to an early end.
After testing free agency, the 14-year veteran has now decided to stay with the Clippers, but the move immediately sparked reactions and questions about the team’s roster construction and Beal’s health.
“How does this make sense for either side?” a Miami Heat supporter wondered.
“I’m so confused as to what they’re trying to do with the roster at this point,” Courtside Perspective posted.
“His agent is a miracle worker,” an X user wrote.
“Clippers fans have it the worst right now,” an NBA observer noted.
“Breaking: Bradley Beal scams Clippers out of 13 million,” a Philadelphia 76ers supporter added.
The biggest concern surrounding Beal remains availability. The 6-foot-4 guard has appeared in just 202 of a possible 410 games over the past five seasons, a 49.3% rate.
Before joining the Clippers, Beal spent two seasons with the Suns, averaging 17.6 points, 4.3 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. Phoenix reportedly explored trade possibilities involving Beal, but his no-trade clause allowed him to veto any deal.
In July 2025, Beal reached a buyout agreement with the Suns before joining the Clippers on a two-year, $11 million contract that included a player option for the second season.
He played only six games with Los Angeles, averaging 8.2 ppg and 1.7 apg while shooting 49.7%, including 36.8% from 3-point range.
The return also gives Beal another opportunity to find a role on a significantly reshaped Clippers roster. He joins a backcourt featuring No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler, Kris Dunn, Cam Christie, Kobe Sanders, Jalen Pickett, and star guard Darius Garland.
If Beal can stay healthy, his scoring ability, shooting, and experience could give the revamped Clippers another offensive option alongside Garland while allowing the team to manage his workload. After an injury-shortened first chapter in Los Angeles, the $13.2 million deal gives Beal a chance to make the second one far more meaningful.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.