There is a major reason why Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Zhokic doesn’t have a non-trade clause in his contract.
The no-trade clause gives NBA stars a lot of power. The latest example was how Bradley Beale drove his path from the Phoenix Suns, thanks to his contracted NTC.
Is Beer a great player? yes. But did he deserve a non-trade clause in his trade? Most would say no. Only a handful of NBA stars can claim such a large clause.
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic certainly falls into that category. Unfortunately, he can’t get it because things are standing now.
At 30, Jokic is still at the height of his career. Obviously, the 3x NBA MVP re-signature should be above the Nuggets priority list.
Currently, Jokic remains in his deal for another three years, assuming he has opted for the $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
Obviously, it’s no surprise that Jokic delayed signing an extension with the Nuggets this offseason. As Joker is likely to make that decision in 2026, many will expect him to obtain a non-trade clause in his trade.
Unfortunately, that’s not possible because NBA expert Marc Stein touched on this topic of X.
“Because we can’t add no trade clauses to the extension, Beal went to unlimited free agency and signed an entirely new contract, so we got one,” writes Stein.
Jokic meets other requirements (4 years with current teams in NBA + 4 years), but regarding eligibility for no-trade clauses, Stein has confirmed that Jokic cannot receive NTCs.
“If Jokic is extending its current transaction, he will not be able to secure a full NTC even if he clearly meets the service hours requirements,” he added.
Early Jokics will receive the full 2027 NTC. But putting that aside, another NBA star has the NTC on his contract.
That’s nothing more than Damien Lillard, who recently signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Portland Trail Blazers as an unlimited free agent.
“Eight years of NBA service hours and four years have already been deposited into the bank as a blazer, and Lillard qualifies for a full no-trade clause, as this is a new contract rather than an extension,” Stein explained in X.
Stein concluded: “Only Lakers’ LeBron James has it now.”
As confirmed by Stein, Lillard and LBJ are currently the only two players in the league with a full NTC. Will fans see Jokic added to that list? Probably 2027.