Does Any Player Deserve A No-Trade Clause?
The Washington Wizards have traded all-NBA guard Bradley Beal, and it wasn’t for the most ideal package. The Wizards got Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, and a few draft picks. Beal’s no-trade clause is the reason behind this as he and Phoenix had the leverage over Washington. They couldn’t trade Beal to somewhere he didn’t want to go, regardless of how good the package could’ve been.
While Beal is a good player, there is a reason no one in the league has a no-trade clause (besides Beal). Players can request a trade at any point and you have to just get what you can out of their preferred destination. However, who does deserve a no-trade clause in the league currently?
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic led the NBA playoffs in total points, rebounds, and assists. Photo Credit: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images
Nikola Jokic is coming off two MVPs and an NBA Finals MVP. He has zero issues in the media and is one of the most humble guys in the NBA. His goal has always been championships, and he has wanted to be the Tim Duncan for Denver. Through the two years of playoff shortcomings with a weak supporting cast, Jokic kept his eyes forward. All signs point to Jokic being a Nugget for life. After delivering the first championship in franchise history and being the best player in the league to most, Jokic is one of the very few who deserve a no-trade clause.
2. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic has the highest career playoff scoring average in NBA history relative to the amount of games he played. Photo Credit: Marco.com
Luka Doncic had his team in position to make the postseason with the roster they had before trading for Kyrie Irving. Not to say Irving is at fault, but the roster change left Dallas with no defenders, which hindered their playoff hopes down the stretch. With Doncic and good defenders, the Mavericks are a lock for the postseason every year. Doncic has put up historic numbers while leading the team to relative success. Of course, the clock is ticking to get him the pieces he needs to compete, but he hasn’t had any rumors of wanting out, plus his skill at his age is worthy of a no-trade clause.
3. Jayson Tatum, bOSTON celtics
Jayson Tatum holds the record for most points in an All-Star game and a game seven. Photo Credit: Adam Glanzman/Getty Images
Now the thing with Jayson Tatum being our last spot is that he isn’t a top-three player in the league. However, there are a couple of things to consider. He is 25 and has been to four eastern conference finals while shattering every playoff record relative to his age. His scoring average has gone up every single season he has been in the NBA, and his potential is something to fear. Also, hard to see Boston even wanting to trade him with how much this team relies on him.
4. Stephen Curry, Golden STATE
Stephen Curry was second in the playoffs in three-pointers made with 57 despite playing seven fewer games than the leader, Jamal Murray, who had 59. Photo Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
The only reason Steph Curry is not higher is his age. From a skill and loyalty standpoint, it’s hard to top Curry in today’s NBA. However, if it gets down the road in his career and he somehow requests a trade, the Warriors would most likely get scraps for the guy. However, that is fine. Curry is one of the few players who could get away with this without the clause. He has done so much for Golden State that he could probably land in his preferred destination at a small cost just because the Warriors want to do him a favor.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished 3rd in MVP voting for two consecutive years. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Giannis Antetokounmpo was widely regarded as the league’s best player before his playoff injury. His basketball prowess would be enough to put it into consideration, but just like Curry, it would be more from a “we owe this guy” point of view. Even so, the Bucks shouldn’t want to trade him at all. Their last two runs were spoiled by injury, but they still can compete for a title as long as he is around.
There are some big names left off this list. Joel Embiid just won an MVP, how could he not be here? He is almost 30 and never had any playoff success past the first round. LeBron James? No one would dare trade the King, but it isn’t crazy to do so at this point in his career. He has a few years left, and a team might want to look to the future. Even the stars mentioned on the list have an argument for not getting a no-trade clause because it shouldn’t be given out, but if any five players deserve it, it is these select five.
