Throughout the history of the NBA, only a handful of legendary players received the honor of having a very rare privilege on their contracts – a no-trade clause. In 75 years, there were only 10 players who received this kind of treatment. They were namely Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, David Robinson, John Stockton, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dirk Nowitzki, and Bradley Beal. With the idea creating a buzz among the fans, who should join Beal as a current player to have a no-trade clause?
Bradley Beal is the only current NBA player to have a no-trade clause.
Who should join him? 🤔 (h/t The @stephenasmith Show) pic.twitter.com/00wd97GgvO
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 20, 2023
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
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.
5. Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic just won his first championship a few days ago. Subsequently, the Serbian superstar also brought Denver Nuggets its first chip in franchise history. Jokic had just signed a 5-year/$272 Million super-max extension last year. The 28-year-old center is already considered one of the best centers in history and is arguably the best player in the NBA today. He is now in the middle of his prime and the Nuggets will surely hold on to him for the years to come.
However, with his impact on the game and on the Nuggets organization, is it high time for a player of his caliber to receive something similar to what the Washington Wizards gave Bradley Beal, a no-trade clause perhaps? Eventually, the Joker will become an unrestricted free agent in 2028, and it’s highly unlikely he will be playing for another team after 5 years.
4. LeBron James
Although LeBron James is already 38 years old and even had thoughts of retiring after being swept by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals, it would be acceptable if his contract would have a no-trade clause in it.
Arguably basketball’s G.O.A.T, LeBron doesn’t seem to be slowing down even at his age. Father time is already coming at him, but boy do LBJ run fast. But, even without the no-trade clause, doesn’t LeGM control every team he’s been on? He can demand the front office to trade for a player, change coaching staff, and more. Indeed, he does not need that privilege since he’s The King.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been dominating the league for quite some time now. The Greek Freak wants to stay loyal to the Milwaukee Bucks, just like another European legend, Dirk Nowitzki. Truly, the two-time MVP already brought a championship to the team that drafted him.
As a guy that wants to stay with a single franchise until he retires, I think it would be fair if the Bucks reciprocate it by giving Giannis a no-trade clause. In 2026, Giannis will only be 31 years old and the superstar forward will be an unrestricted free agent. Among all of the players on this list, we think Antetokounmpo has the highest chance of getting it in his next extension.
2. Luka Doncic
At 24 years old, Luka Doncic has already achieved a Hall-of-Famer career with the Dallas Mavericks. His talents are unmatched and he has the potential to become a future NBA MVP.
Lately, Luka has been growing frustrated with the team after failing to reach the 2023 NBA playoffs. The Slovenian hotshot is currently in the second year of his 5-year/$215 Million contract. And whilst his future with the team is unsure, putting a no-trade clause in Doncic’s contract in the future wouldn’t be very surprising. If Bradley Beal got it, then so should Luka. Obviously, Luka hasn’t reached the requirement of playing 8 years in the NBA yet.
1. Steph Curry
In this list, the most deserving to have this honor is no other than the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry. Last year, Steph Curry became the highest-paid player in the league with his 4-year/$215 million extension.
He and the Golden State Warriors want to run it back in the 2023-2024 season and retain most of their core (Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney, and Jordan Poole). But, with the news of Draymond Green declining his player option and rumors about a possible Jordan Poole trades, it seems that the Warriors could be left rebuilding the team. However, Steph Curry will probably be untouchable even at 35 years old. For sure, Curry will retire as a Warrior and he will hang his jerseys in the rafters once it’s all said and done.
Do you agree with our list? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!
