Bradley Beal finally ended speculation about his future with joining the Los Angeles Clippers.
The veteran security guards were linked to several teams, including the Lakers and Golden State Warriors, before making the decision.
Beale eventually chose to buy his Phoenix Suns contract and sign a two-year deal worth $11 million with the Clippers. NBA insider Brian Windhorst recently unveiled two major factors behind this choice.
Windhorst explained that Clippers coach Ty Lue played a key role in recruiting Bradley Beal through his shared background and long-standing relationships.
“So why did he choose the Clippers? He had a lot of teams that were obviously interested. The Clippers won. There are a few reasons. One is Ty Lou, who has a very good relationship with players across the league.
The second critical factor came from James Harden’s direct recruitment efforts. Harden contacted Beal personally to outline how they could work together effectively.
“The second is that Harden called him and made the pitch. And here’s the pitch that Harden made. He said, ‘It’s okay, I played 79 games.
This pitch resonated with Beer, who is seeking a more prominent role after his limited influence in Phoenix. The stylistic fit between the two security guards makes sense from a basketball standpoint.
Harden’s playmaking abilities and creating space should benefit Beal’s off-ball skills. The beer is excellent in catch-and-shoot situations and comes out of the screen.
Beal maintained a solid shooting rate last season, staying at 38.6% from the 3-point range and 49.7% overall. 3.7 assists per game also showed continuous playmaking ability when needed.
This partnership will help recapture Beal, his reputation as an elite scoring guard from Washington Wizard’s tenure.
Windhorst highlighted the financial aspects that influenced Beal’s choice, particularly his desire to reconstruct his market value.
“Beal was 32 and got a year and a player choice. He could become a free agent in a year. He’d want to get his money back,” Windhorst said.
“Harden met Beer. Harden met with the representative and sold it all. The Clippers have $5.4 million left on the mid-level, and he said, “This is what we have to offer you.” So he gave up the absolute minimum he could do to get out of his contract with Phoenix, and then he got all the pennies he could do from the Clippers,” he added.
However, Beal’s history of injuries remains the fact that while he failed to reach 60 games in any of the last four seasons, the Clippers also suffered the availability of star Kawhi Leonard.