The Los Angeles Clippers have applied for a ‘disabled player exception’ after Bradley Beal’s season-ending hip injury, as reported by Jake Fischer from Bleacher Report. Last week, Beal was diagnosed with a hip fracture, sidelining him for the entirety of this season. This makes the Clippers eligible for the exception.
The ‘disabled player exception’ is a unique rule in the NBA that allows teams to sign a replacement player if any player on the team suffers a season-ending injury. Also, the exception is tied to the league’s salary cap. This allows the Clippers to add another player at 50% of Bradley Beal’s salary, i.e., around $2.7 million. An important point to note is that a league-designated physician must confirm that Beal will be out for the season.
Los Angeles Clippers have applied for a disabled player exception due to losing Bradley Beal for the season with a hip injury, per @JakeLFischer
The DPE would be for around $2.7M, half of Beal’s salary pic.twitter.com/YqxVWOLw21
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 21, 2025
Bradley Beal appeared in only six games for the Clippers this season before he fractured his hip. He was averaging 8.2 points per game on 37.5% shooting from the field and 36.8% shooting from deep.
This was meant to be a bounce-back season for Beal after an upsetting run with the Phoenix Suns. After Beal agreed to a contract buyout with the Suns this summer, the Clippers signed him to a two-year, $11 million contract with a player option in the second year.
The Clippers Have Had Yet Another Disappointing Start To The Season
The Clippers are in 12th place in the Western Conference and hold a 4-11 record. Furthermore, they don’t have a first-round pick for the 2026 Draft. To top that off, injuries have plagued their roster, with Kawhi Leonard missing multiple games due to an ankle injury. Leonard has played only six of their 15 games this season.
Besides, Chris Paul is far from contending for a championship with this team. He has had the worst start to a season, averaging 2.5 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.8 rebounds in his 10 games. James Harden has been single-handedly trying to keep the boat afloat with his scoring and playmaking. He is averaging 26.5 points, 8.6 assists, and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 38.2% from three.
The Clippers traded Paul George in 2019. With that, they have lost their 2026 unprotected first-round draft pick to the OKC Thunder. So, if the Clippers end up tanking, the Thunder will be the one bearing the fruit of it.
The Paul George trade seems to have worked wonders for OKC. Sam Presti ended up signing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who would become the future MVP, and drafted All-Star Jalen Williams, alongside several draft assets who could convert into high-value talents. While the Clippers are a sinking ship, OKC seems to be bearing the fruit of their downfall.
Read More:
Top 5 LaMelo Ball Trade Destinations After Growing Frustrations With Hornets
Dwyane Wade Finally Decides His Verdict on LeBron James-Michael Jordan GOAT Debate
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
