Report: Bradley Beal’s max extension with Wizards includes rare no-trade clause

NBA Twitter on Wednesday night was shocked to learn a crucial aspect of Bradley Beal’s new contract with the Washington Wizards.

According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Beal’s five-year, $251.1 million contract that he officially signed Wednesday includes a full no-trade clause. The no-trade clause, meaning Beal would have to approve any trade he’s involved in, is rare in NBA contracts.

Marks reported that Beal is only the 10th player in NBA history to have a full no-trade clause and is the only active player to have one. 

A no-trade clause could hinder the Wizards’ chances in the coming years to rebuild or package Beal in a deal to obtain another superstar. It also gives Beal massive leverage in all trade negotiations. 

Of course, the Wizards hope Beal remains in the District for the remainder of his five-year contract, and even his career. But with the amount of movement happening in today’s NBA, a front office having the flexibility to move players is crucial. 

One reason no-trade clauses are so rare in the NBA is that to qualify to have one a player must have eight years of service time as well as four years with the team. Beal has been with the Wizards for 10 seasons, starting in 2012 after he was drafted with the No. 3 overall pick.

Marks also reported that Beal has a player option for the fifth year of the deal, which is projected to be $57.1 million. He will be 33 years old when he’s playing in the fifth year of his contract.