Bradley Beal has never won an NBA title and has never been named the league’s MVP, but his most recent contract has put him in a category that not even LeBron James or Stephen Curry can currently match.
Earlier this month, Beal agreed to a five-year, $251 million maximum contract to stay with the Washington Wizards. The deal makes him one of the highest-paid players in the entire NBA, but that’s not what makes this particular contract unique.
According to NBA front office insider Bobby Marks, Beal’s new contract includes a true no-trade clause, making him the only active player in the league to have such a contract.
One contract signed today that stands out is the five-year $251M one for Bradley Beal. Negotiated by Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports, the Beal contract consists of a no trade clause. He is the only player in the league to have a true no trade clause.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 6, 2022
There are several ways a player can earn no-trade protection for a single year, but no-trade clauses that span the duration of a contract are extremely rare as Beal becomes just the 10th player in NBA history with the contract provision.
In order to be eligible for an absolute no-trade clause like Beal’s that spans the duration of their contract, players must have eight years of service time and four with the same team. Beal has been in the league NBA for 10 years, all of which have been with the Wizards.
James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dirk Nowitzki each had true no-trade clauses in their respective contracts as recently the 2018, but no player has had one since.
In his 10 seasons with the Wizards, Beal has averaged 22.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He is a three-time NBA All-Star, earning the honor in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
