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19h ago

LeBron James Opts Into $52.6M Season as CBA Rules and No-Trade Clause Stall Trade Talks

Rich Paul’s championship-focused messaging has fueled trade inquiries from at least four teams, leaving negotiations stuck by salary-cap restrictions alongside LeBron’s veto power.

Warriors tried acquire to LeBron James before the trade deadline, but it didn’t happen because he wanted to stay.
Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball in front of Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on April 8, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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Heat center Kel'el Ware dunks against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half in a California Classic summer league game at Chase Center on July 05, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Overview

  • LeBron exercised his $52.6 million player option for 2025-26, breaking with his usual path to free agency as he chases another title.
  • Rich Paul told ESPN that LeBron wants to compete immediately for a championship and is evaluating his best destination at this career stage.
  • ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that at least four NBA franchises have contacted Rich Paul to explore potential trades for James.
  • CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn says that tightened salary-cap thresholds and the second tax apron under the new CBA are hampering viable trade packages.
  • LeBron’s no-trade clause gives him veto power over any transaction, and the Lakers’ framing of him as an expiring contract has produced no public trade proposals.