Even as a superstar, being traded to another team is just part of the job. In a very rare case, some of the best players in the NBA receive a privilege in their contracts only a few shared throughout the history of the NBA – a no-trade clause. There’s a short list of players who had this kind of treatment, but this season, only one active player is experiencing this luxury. That player is no other than three-time All-Star and Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal. Let’s discuss the meaning of a no-trade clause and how it impacts Beal’s supermax contract moving forward.
Bradley Beal’s massive contract with the Washington Wizards
In 2022, All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal signed a 5-year $251 Million supermax contract as the Washington Wizards’ sole superstar. Beal may have gotten the bag, but the Wizards did not reach the playoffs this season. Beal only played 50 games but averaged 23.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Bradley Beal's $251 million supermax contract with the Wizards
2022-23: $43.3 million
2023-24: $46.7 million
2024-25: $50.2 million
2025-26: $53.7 million
2026-27: $57.1 million— Neil Dalal (@NeilDalal96) June 30, 2022
Bradley Beal’s name is a hot commodity in the offseason because it was reported that he and the Washington Wizards are working together to find a team that would want to trade for the star guard. There have been numerous teams out there that seem interested in Beal such as the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Philadelphia 76ers. However, Beal’s contract states a “no-trade clause” which suggests it wouldn’t be an easy move. But, what exactly is a no-trade clause?
What is a “no-trade clause” in NBA contracts?
An NBA player becomes untouchable if he signs a contract with a no-trade clause mainly because he will always have a say on any move/trade that involves him. In line with that, the player has the right to veto a trade if it does not satisfy his requirement. To be able to have this kind of detail, a player must be:
- Playing in the NBA for 8 or more years
- Played at least 4 years for the team he signed the contract with no-clause trade with
After completing first season of a five-year, $251M contract, Beal’s unique standing as NBA’s only current player to have a no-trade clause negotiated into his deal gives him the ability to control not only possible destinations, but how a potential package to acquire Beal… https://t.co/KxVnTQHdlW
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 14, 2023
Today, Bradley Beal is the only player who has a no-trade clause in his contract. The 2012 3rd overall pick is now in his 9th season with the Wizards and the NBA. His no-trade clause is just one of the reasons why some teams would hesitate in taking him immediately. Other reasons include his injury status, sudden decline in performance, and his supermax contract that would make teams think twice.
Players in the past who had a no-trade clause in their contracts
One of the most notable players in the past that also had a no-trade clause in his contract is the late great Kobe Bryant. Back in 2007, when the Los Angeles Lakers were in difficult times, Kobe was already wanting out of Hollywood. With ongoing tension with Kobe and the front office, the Lakers organization tried trading the Black Mamba to Detroit, but Kobe Bryant vetoed the said trade. With this, the Lakers were forced to change plans and were able to sign Pau Gasol the following year and retained Kobe on the roster. Fortunately, everything went well for L.A. afterward.
Bradley Beal is only the 10th player to have a no-trade clause. The other 9 players are Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and John Stockton.
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