Paul, a 12-time All-Star, was a free agent after playing all 82 games for the San Antonio Spurs last season, becoming the first NBA player to do so in his 20th season or later. He averaged 8.8 points and 7.4 assists while shooting 43% from the floor.

"Everyone's entitled in terms of the judgments they want to make on the group," says Clippers GM Lawrence Frank.

There are constants in life: the sun rises, grass is green and Chris Paul wears No. 3. All three things remain true after a thoughtful gesture from Bradley Beal, Paul's new teammate with the Los Angeles Clippers.