LeBron James signed a two-year, $104 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers last offseason. The deal included a $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season — which he has since picked up — and a no-trade clause.
The four-time MVP joined Bradley Beal as the league’s only players with a no-trade clause in their contract. He became the lone player in the league with the ability to veto any trade that he doesn’t approve on Wednesday as Beal and the Phoenix Suns agreed to buyout that cleared the way for him to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.
That distinction was short-lived as just one day later James received company. Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Damian Lillard will return to the Portland Trail Blazers, receiving a no-trade clause in his deal.
“BREAKING: Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN,” Shams Charania tweeted Thursday. “Deal is expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. A storybook reunion home for the 35-year-old.”
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While Lillard has spent the past two seasons away from Portland, he earned the right to a no-trade clause during his 11-year stint with the franchise. Players are required to have spent at least eight years in the league and at least four years with the team they sign with to qualify for a no-trade clause.
Lillard is the Blazers all-time leader in points so it is no surprise that the organization was willing to include a no-trade clause in his contract. The nine-time All-Star will miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season after suffering a torn Achilles in the first round of the postseason.
More NBA: LeBron James expected to re-sign with Lakers after 25-26 season despite recent rumors
