NBA
LeBron James signs new Lakers deal: which NBA players are eligible for a no-trade clause?
The 20-time All-Star has signed a two-year, $104-million max contract, which contains a player option and a full no-trade clause.
It now appears certain that NBA icon LeBron James will team up with son Bronny with the Los Angeles Lakers after the 39-year-old reportedly agreed a two-year, $104-million max contract with the California franchise, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
What are the terms of LeBron James’ new Lakers deal?
James Sr had opted out of the final year of his contract ahead of free agency, although he always looked set to sign a new deal, particularly after the Lakers selected Bronny in the 2024 NBA Draft, and hired LeBron’s Mind the Game podcast co-host JJ Redick as their new head coach.
The veteran power forward’s new Lakers contract includes a player option after the first year, which means he could become a free agent all over again next summer.
What is a full no-trade clause in the NBA? Which players qualify?
And a full no-trade clause, relatively rare in the NBA, has also been inserted. That means he has the final say if the Lakers attempt to offload him to another team via a trade.
In order to be eligible for a no-trade clause, players must meet three specific requirements.
They must already have a minimum of eight years of NBA experience, at least four of which must have come with his current team. In addition to that, the player must be signing a new contract rather than extending his current one, which is LeBron’s case.
James started his NBA career in 2003, which means he will be heading into his 22nd year in the league when the 2024/25 season begins. He has spent the last six years with the Lakers, joining ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
This will be the second time in his career his contract contains a no-trade clause. After starting his career with seven years at the Cleveland Cavaliers and four at the Miami Heat, he was given such a clause after his return to his first team in 2014.
Which current NBA players have full no-trade clauses?
Bradley Beal is the only other current NBA player to have a full no-trade clause in his contract with the Phoenix Suns.
The clause originated from his time with the Washington Wizards, but after he agreed to be traded to the Suns, Beal refused to have it removed from his agreement with the Phoenix franchise, who eventually agreed to take it on.
As a result, the Suns can’t trade shooting guard Beal, who joined them in 2023, without his consent until the end of the 2026/27 season, when his contract expires.