With Bradley Beal officially waived by the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James stands as the only player in the NBA holding a true no-trade clause.
ESPN’s NBA Front Office insider Bobby Marks highlighted the rarity of the clause, noting it requires a player to have at least eight years of NBA experience and four consecutive years with their current team. Players also cannot add a no-trade clause when signing an extension, making James’ situation even more unique.
James recently exercised his $52.6 million player option for the 2025–26 season, ensuring his eighth year in a Lakers uniform. The four-time champion’s decision locks him in for another season while preserving his complete control over any potential trade scenarios.
Historically, the forward has favored shorter contracts, opting out in the offseason and re-signing on flexible deals to maintain leverage and assess the Lakers’ competitiveness year to year.
Meanwhile, Beal’s departure from Phoenix came after a buyout agreement in which he forfeited over $13.8 million, allowing the Suns to stretch his remaining salary and improve their roster flexibility. Beal has since agreed to a two-year, $11 million deal with the Clippers, using the team’s midlevel exception.
Beal, who averaged 17.0 points last season, was previously one of only two players in the league with a no-trade clause before the buyout.
