LeBron James is not expected to be traded by the February deadline and will likely finish the season with the Lakers, thanks to his no-trade clause; his plans beyond this season remain unclear as teams have eyes on potential moves but no deal for James materialized.
The New York Yankees re-signed Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million contract with a $20 million signing bonus, full no-trade protection, and opt-outs after the second and third seasons. The deal pays $32.5 million in each of the first two years, has no deferrals, and opt-outs could be pushed a year if the 2027 season is wiped out by a lockout. The Yankees currently have a 40-man vacancy as they finalize terms, and the signing ends a lengthy negotiation that kept a key bat in New York after a productive previous season.
After one season in Boston, Alex Bregman explained at his Cubs introductory press conference that the move was driven by stability and family considerations, as he signed a five-year, $175 million contract with Chicago; in his lone Red Sox season he hit 18 homers, 62 RBIs and a .273/.360/.462 line over 114 games.
Alex Bregman walked away from a five-year, $165 million offer from the Red Sox after they wouldn’t guarantee a no-trade clause and insisted on deferrals that reduced current value. He then accepted a five-year, $175 million deal with the Cubs that included no-trade rights and a more favorable deferral schedule, citing family stability and a preference for not being traded, with Boston’s leadership approach reportedly contributing to the split.
Damian Lillard is set to reintroduce himself to fans and media at a press conference with the Portland Trail Blazers, following his official three-year, $42 million contract signing that includes a player option and no-trade clause.
The Los Angeles Lakers are strategizing to retain Luka Doncic by potentially offering him a no-trade clause and a two-year extension, which could make him eligible for a supermax contract and give him more control over his career, addressing his past frustrations with franchise decisions and aiming to keep him from leaving in free agency.
Jaxson Hayes has signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers that includes a rare full no-trade clause, making him one of the few NBA players with such a clause, following his third consecutive one-year contract with the team.
Nolan Arenado, the St. Louis Cardinals' third baseman, is reportedly open to waiving his no-trade clause for a move to the Boston Red Sox, among other teams. The Red Sox, in need of right-handed power, could benefit from Arenado despite his recent dip in home run numbers. With $75 million left on his contract, Arenado's potential move could be a significant development during the Winter Meetings.
LeBron James is expected to opt out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers to become an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to negotiate a new deal with a no-trade clause. While this move may cost him some money, it provides greater flexibility. Despite potential interest from other teams, James is widely expected to remain with the Lakers.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has a no-trade clause, stated that he is solely focused on the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears and that anything else is not worth his time or attention. Despite the team's struggles and the potential absence of wide receiver Justin Jefferson, Cousins has shown no indication of wanting to leave Minnesota in the final year of his contract. While trade rumors persist, Cousins would have to approve any potential move, and the Vikings' desired compensation would need to be met. For now, Cousins seems committed to staying with the Vikings and evaluating his options in the offseason.
Bradley Beal, the Washington Wizards' franchise player, expects to stay with the team despite their disappointing season. Beal clarified that he does not use his no-trade clause as a "trump card" and is frustrated with the team's performance but at peace with how the year went. He also joked about the possibility of being kicked out of town and clarified that if he wanted to leave, everyone would know.