Following a surprise buyout with the Suns, three‑time All‑Star Bradley Beal has chosen the Clippers as his next destination. The 32‑year‑old agreed to a two‑year, $11 million deal with a player option for 2026–27. Beal’s pending signing completes what could become one of the most formidable starting lineups in the Western Conference—and gives L.A. serious title aspirations.
In the aftermath of losing Paul George in 2024, the Clippers were expected to take a step back as a franchise, but they’ve remained competitive with strong leadership, a deep roster, and enough star power to keep up with the NBA juggernauts. Still, they lacked the kind of roster that could go the distance and cement their place in history.
Now, with Beal in the mix, the Clippers have one of the deepest and most well-rounded teams in the league. Their starting lineup is arguably among the best in the NBA, with a perfect blend of talents that will command respect in the Western Conference.
Projected Starting Lineup
Point Guard – James Harden
Shooting Guard – Bradley Beal
Small Forward – Kawhi Leonard
Power Forward – John Collins
Center – Ivica Zubac
Starting with the backcourt, Harden and Beal may be one of the best guard duos in the West. While both players are on the older end of the spectrum, they still have more than enough in the tank to maintain an elite offense for the Clippers.
With averages of 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game last season, James made his first All-Star appearance since the 2021-2022 season. Even at 35 years old, he’s become a crucial member of the Clippers and plays a big role in their offense as a primary ball handler, playmaker, and floor spacer.
Coming from the Suns, Bradley Beal’s value has never been lower, but it will only give him more motivation to prove the critics wrong. In 53 games last season, he averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 49.7% shooting. With a fresh start and brand new teammates, Beal might be ready for an NBA resurgence, and it would do great things for the Clippers.
At small forward, Kawhi Leonard is at the center of everything the Clippers do. As a 2x champion, 6x All-Star, and 2x Finals MVP, he’s earned his place as the face of the organization, and their success will be largely dependent on his performance (and his health). In just 37 games last season, he put up 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on 49.8% shooting.
John Collins is expected to start at power forward next season, thanks to his eight years of experience with the Hawks and Jazz. At 6’9″ and 235 pounds, Collins is versatile at his position, and he’s coming off a solid season with averages of 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game on 52.7% shooting.
The Clippers’ longtime big man, Ivica Zubac, will retake his place at center next season, and he’s become a favorite of head coach Tyronn Lue. At 28, he’s just hitting his prime and coming off the best season of his career with averages of 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game on 62.8% shooting.
With a revamped roster led by Harden, Beal, and Kawhi, the Clippers are once again knocking on the door of title contention. This latest iteration might not have the flash of superteams past, but it has the balance, experience, and offensive firepower to go toe-to-toe with any contender in the league. If Beal can bounce back and Kawhi stays healthy, L.A. could become one of the most dangerous teams in the West, and finally bring the franchise the deep playoff run it’s been chasing for over a decade.
