Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook Top Landing Spots After Beal to Clippers

Bradley Beal has reportedly agreed to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns and signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, removing one of the top free agents from the market.

Notable guards still available include Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook, sparking analysis on their ideal landing spots. Lillard, recovering from a torn Achilles and unlikely to play in 2025-26, could benefit from joining a team not urgently needing immediate impact. The Boston Celtics emerge as a logical fit, as Jayson Tatum (also injured) is recruiting him, and the team has made cost-cutting moves while retaining Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. Signing now would grant Lillard access to Celtics facilities during recovery, and his reduced cost post-Bucks buyout offers Boston future flexibility.

For Chris Paul, a return to the Clippers on a veteran minimum deal is plausible. They require a backup point guard behind James Harden after a strong offseason adding Beal, John Collins, and Brook Lopez. Other options include the Suns or Lakers, but the Clippers appear the most sensible destination if they don't acquire Malcolm Brogdon.

Russell Westbrook’s fit is more complex, with Denver and a Clippers reunion unlikely. A creative solution could be the Detroit Pistons, who lost Dennis Schröder and need a backup point guard. Westbrook’s experience would bolster their young playoff-contending roster. While Phoenix lacks true point guards, Detroit offers a clearer path to contention, making it a mutually beneficial scenario.