LeBron James will not waive his no trade clause next season, per report

It would take a lot — emphasis on a lot — for the Cleveland Cavaliers to decide to trade LeBron James. But, per a new report from ESPN’s Chris Haynes, James will not waive his no-trade clause next season. Per Haynes’ story, there is nothing — not Kyrie Irving’s trade demands, not locker room drama, not losing — that could make James trade his no trade clause.

It’s really hard to see a scenario where the Cavs would actually decide to deal James, as he’s LeBron James and still playing at a very, very high level. If the Cavs were to trade him, it would be punting on any immediate hopes of winning and be a impossible sell to the fan base. In regard, it’s a non-story.

But on the other end, this is some sign that James is committed to the Cavs for at least this season. If James really wanted to, he could push his way out. And in this post-Irving trade request world, that’s a signal in its own right. This is LeBron’s team, his franchise and he’s going to go for a title next season even if one of the team’s other stars wants out. In this regard, this is a shot fired and something to watch if Irving is still in a Cavs jersey come the start of the season. And, as of now, that’s still very much on the table.

And, as a reminder, James could (and almost certainly will) opt out of his contract next summer and decide his own future.