Paul is confirmed to wear number 3 upon his return to the Clippers! Beal voluntarily offered to give up the number, and Harden's comments on CP3 have been revealed.

On July 23rd, Beijing time, ESPN reported that Paul is not only returning to the Los Angeles Clippers but will also don his familiar number 3 jersey.

Clippers' President of Basketball Operations, Lawrence Frank, stated that the former core of the "Lob City" era will continue to wear the number he has sported throughout his 20-year career.Beal, who has worn number 3 during his NBA career with the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns, voluntarily offered to give this number to Paul, while he will choose another number later.

“He has worn number 3 throughout his entire NBA career,” Frank said on Tuesday regarding Beal. “Three-time All-Star, scoring over 17,000 points while wearing number 3. But he also understands what this number means to Paul—‘CP3’ is derived from this, not to mention the special significance of Paul returning to the Clippers. So Beal voluntarily offered to give the number to Paul.”

“As soon as Beal heard that Paul might join, he said, ‘I want to give him the number.’ I think Paul might not even know about this yet. It’s truly wonderful that Beal could make such a generous gesture.”

The 40-year-old Paul played six seasons for the Clippers from 2011 to 2017 and still holds the team's records for average assists and steals per game. However, his role will be different upon this return.

After starting 1,314 of 1,354 career games and playing all 82 games last season for the Spurs, all as a starter, Paul will primarily come off the bench this time.

“Some nights Paul will play a long time, and some nights he won’t,” Frank said. “Paul is excited to be here, to be part of the team, and to help lead the team, coming in when needed.”

“...Paul started 82 games last season and was very efficient. So when he has to accept a different role, we won’t take it lightly. We had many discussions to lay all the issues on the table so everyone can be comfortable with it. But the fact is, Paul is eager to return, to come back home, and to join the Clippers—we are clearly aware of his abilities while ensuring this role makes sense for both sides.”

Frank mentioned that before bringing in Paul, the Clippers consulted with James Harden, who worked with Paul in Houston during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, as well as Kawhi Leonard.

Signing Paul has marked the end of an active offseason for the Clippers. They reached a new two-year deal with Harden, signed Beal after he was bought out by the Suns, traded Norman Powell to Miami for power forward John Collins, and signed Brook Lopez in the free market.

“They definitely talked,” Frank said regarding the discussions between Harden and Paul about reuniting. “When speaking with Harden and Leonard, both felt that Paul was the best fit for this role. I believe Harden is focused on winning, and clearly, he and Paul have worked together in Houston, coming just a step away from the Finals.”

“When Harden talks about Paul, he mentions his elite court vision, excellent leadership, intense competitiveness, and daily dedication and professionalism. He believes Paul will be a great fit for this team.”