Bradley Beal Says Chris Paul's Legacy Can't Be 'Erased' After Switching to No. 3 Clippers Jersey

The Los Angeles Clippers have apparently given Chris Paul's old No. 3 to Bradley Beal, who said Thursday that the iconic point guard's legacy "can't be touched, nor erased."

NBA numerologist Etienne Catalan broke the news earlier Thursday morning. Beal's No. 3 jersey is currently being sold in the Clippers' online store.

Paul revealed last February on 7PM in Brooklyn that Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank told him before he was sent home in December that L.A. would retire his number.

Perhaps a jersey number retirement still happens down the line, but it doesn't appear imminent.

The 14-year veteran wore No. 3 for the first 13 seasons of his career with the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns. He signed with the Clippers on July 18. Three days later, Paul returned to Los Angeles after playing one season with the San Antonio Spurs.

During his previous stint with the Clippers (2011-12 to 2016-17), Paul averaged 19.9 points, 10.4 assists and 2.3 steals per game. He was an All-NBA First Teamer for three seasons and an All-NBA Second Teamer for two. In addition, CP3 made the All-NBA First Team Defense in each of those campaigns.

L.A. won 51 or more games in his final five seasons (the 2011-12 Clippers went 40-26 in a lockout-shortened year) and made the playoffs each time.

Paul noted recently on the Build or Break podcast with Daniel Lubetzky (46:28 mark) that his exit was "probably one of the most disrespectful things that I've endured."

One can guess the decision to give away No. 3 may continue that perceived disrespect, although in theory, the Clippers could (and should) retire the number down the road.