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- LeBron James’ is seemingly immortal, but he’s apparently not impervious to trade rumors.
- ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said James will likely seek a no-trade clause in his next contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after hearing whispers of a deal during the 2023-24 season.
- “I think LeBron’s gonna opt out no matter what. And the reason I think he’s gonna opt out no matter what is even if he just signs back for one year, the only functional way for LeBron to get a no-trade clause is to sign a new contract,” Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective (20:30 mark). “If he extends the contract he’s in or picks up that option, extends onto it, he can’t get a no-trade clause. And I think for a number of different reasons, LeBron would like, ask for and probably be granted a no-trade clause.”
- Bradley Beal is the only NBA player who currently has a no-trade clause in his contract. Beal, ironically enough, waived his clause to facilitate a deal that sent him to the Phoenix Suns last offseason. While a no-trade clause doesn’t mean a deal will never happen, Beal was able to steer himself to a favorable situation and ensure the Suns did not have to give up much to add him.
- James saw his name being bandied about in legitimate trade rumors for the first time in his career this season. With the Lakers scuffling around the All-Star break and James sending out cryptic posts on social media, the speculation he could want out got to the point agent Rich Paul had to release a statement shutting down all rumors.
- ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne later reported the Golden State Warriors even went as far as to call the Lakers to gauge James’ availability. James expressed no interest in being moved so talks never got far, but the Lakers’ willingness to even pick up the phone is seemingly enough for James to want contractual security.
- James isn’t leaving Los Angeles at this point of his career, so there’s little reason to pay much attention here. But the years of his next contract and whether he receives a no-trade clause is noteworthy.
