James Harden Heavily Recruited Bradley Beal To Clippers

James Harden heavily recruited Bradley Beal to the Los Angeles Clippers. 

Beal, who agreed to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns, chose the Clippers over the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves. 

Shams: “James Harden was a focal point in recruiting Bradley Beal internally, but also speaking directly to Beal and his camp” pic.twitter.com/jLp6kamGaf

— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 16, 2025

The Clippers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in seven games. The franchise has never been to the NBA Finals. 

LAC now has Harden, Beal, Kawhi Leonard, John Collins and Ivica Zubac as its starting five. 

Beal played in 53 games for the Suns last season. He averaged 17.0 points while shooting 49.7% from the field, 38.6% from beyond the arc and 80.3% from the free-throw line. 

Harden, the 2018 MVP with the Houston Rockets, appeared in 79 games for the Clippers in 2024-25. He averaged 22.8 points and 8.7 assists while shooting 41.0% overall, 35.2% from 3 and 87.4% from the foul line.