Kobe Bryant Should Waive His No-Trade Clause
KC Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports on John Paxson pulling the Bulls out of the Kobe Bryant sweepstakes:
There’s not a deal to be done. It’s time to put it to rest," Paxson said. "Today sends a message that our guys don’t have to worry about anything anymore."
My Quick Take: The player seen as the next Michael Jordan won’t be joining the Chicago Bulls. Yesterday, the Bulls dropped out of the Kobe Bryant sweepstakes because they were getting squeezed over Luol Deng.
The Lakers wanted Deng included in any trade. And Bryant, through his no-trade clause, threatened to veto any deal if the Bulls sent Deng out west. For what it’s worth, Chicago wanted to keep their young small forward.
Here’s the real question: can Bryant have it both ways? The All-Star requested a trade, so how can he justify dismissing potential suitors through his no-trade clause?
L.A. was only accommodating their disgruntled star by trying to send him to Chicago-a team he wanted to play for. So Bryant, after requesting a trade, shouldn’t stop the Lakers from getting a good deal, right?
But the all-world guard can do as he pleases. Back in 2004, Bryant’s agent negotiated the best contracts in sports. The Lakers gave him a no-trade clause, a trade-kicker payment, the option to get 70% of his annual salary up-front, and a ’max’ contract.
Now Bryant says where and who. He picks where he wants to play and, in the case of Deng, who with. After all, why leave L.A. for another losing situation?
But Bryant made his bed with the Lakers. Now he should lie in it. Kobe, waive the no- trade clause and accept some responsibility for a situation you helped create.
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