Every NBA Team's Most Untouchable Trade Asset
The NBA offseason has already begun for 22 of the league's 30 teams, moving us ever closer to the summer trade period.
Will Giannis Antetokounmpo finally be dealt? What does Donovan Mitchell's future look like if the Cleveland Cavaliers once again fall in the second round? Do the Orlando Magic shake up their roster following a third-straight, first-round exit?
Before we can ask who's available we must first consider who, and which draft picks, are completely untouchable. Now that the shock of the Luka Dončić trade is finally beginning to wear off, how many players are truly off the table?
It's time to take a spin around the league and look at every NBA franchise's most untouchable trade asset.
Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Johnson
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The Atlanta Hawks have a 29.3 percent chance at a top-4 pick in this year's draft thanks to last year's Derik Queen trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. Until we find out the results of the lottery, we're going to go with Jalen Johnson here.
The 24-year-old is the new face of the franchise who just put up 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game. The only other player in the NBA to meet or exceed these numbers this season was three-time MVP Nikola Jokić.
Johnson's contract is also one of the best in the NBA. It stays at a flat $30 million for the next four years, meaning the Hawks will only be paying their All-Star forward between 15.7 and 18.2 percent of the salary cap.
Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum
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After a shocking first-round loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, are we 100 percent sure that Jaylen Brown is back as a member of the Boston Celtics this fall?
Jayson Tatum should be considered the only untouchable here, as the six-time All-Star looked good in a return from Achilles surgery.
In six playoff games vs. Philly he put up 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.2 steals while making 36.5 percent of his threes. The 28-year-old can spend this offseason actually training instead of recovering, putting him on track for a monster 2026-27 campaign.
Brown is probably coming back, although only Tatum should feel completely safe.
Brooklyn Nets: 2026 1st-Round Pick
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There's no player on the Brooklyn Nets who should be deemed untouchable…yet.
After selecting no higher than No. 8 overall last year, the Nets have a 14.0 percent chance at the No. 1 overall pick and have better than a coin flip's chance of landing in the top four.
Selecting a talent like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer would give this franchise a true building block, something they haven't had to this point.
While we expect veterans like Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton to be shopped this offseason, the Nets' first-round selection is their only off limits asset.
Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel
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Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller should probably be considered co-untouchable assets for the Charlotte Hornets right now, as the young wings carry the most value to the franchise.
LaMelo Ball's trade value is tough to gauge, as injuries and inconsistent play shouldn't have him in the same tier as his teammates. One could make the argument that the Hornets should sell high on Ball now after he played in 72 games this season, more than the previous two years combined.
Knueppel had the greatest three-point shooting season by a rookie, ever. He nailed 42.5 percent of his 7.9 attempts per game while averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists while playing in 81 games.
Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis
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No Chicago Bulls player should feel safe this summer as new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Bryson Graham has just signed on to lead the franchise, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey are the closest things the Bulls have to building blocks right now, with Buzelis getting the untouchable tag between the two given the two remaining years on his rookie contract.
The 21-year-old forward made a nice second-year leap as a full-time forward, bumping his averages to 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. He's a tall, athletic forward who has All-Star potential in the right role.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Donovan Mitchell*
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The Cleveland Cavaliers were one bad second half of basketball away from a nightmare of an offseason. Pulling away against the Toronto Raptors in Game 7 ultimately left some breathing room (for now).
Their second-round series against the Detroit Pistons is equally as important. Even though Detroit is the No. 1 seed, the Cavs have the advantage in playoff experience and overall talent.
A series win and a trip to the East Finals should be enough for Donovan Mitchell to want to sign an extension this summer. A loss to Detroit, however, may force the Cavs to put the seven-time All-Star on the block before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
For now, Mitchell is untouchable, although that could change over the next two weeks.
Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg
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Cooper Flagg is probably a top-5ish untouchable trade asset in the NBA right now, as the 19-year-old just won Rookie of the Year and looks like he'll begin a long run of All-Star trips next season.
It's fun for the Dallas Mavericks and scary for opponents to envision what Flagg will look like with a roster that actually complements his skill set. This year was a disaster when factoring in the Anthony Davis trade, D'Angelo Russell signing, Kyrie Irving not returning from a torn ACL and Dereck Lively II playing just seven games due to foot surgery.
If Irving returns or the Mavs get a young point guard to help set the table for Flagg and Lively comes back as a rim-running lob threat and defensive anchor, Flagg's play and value will only increase.
Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokić
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Nikola Jokić is likely to sign a four-year, $278 million extension to stay with the Denver Nuggets this offseason according to ESPN's Shams Charania. His poor offensive showing in a first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves may have the NBA world reconsidering whether the three-time MVP is still the best player in all of basketball, although Jokić is still completely untouchable in trade talks.
Can the same be said for his running mate, Jamal Murray? Normally someone who thrives in the postseason, Murray shot just 35.7 percent overall against the Wolves and was regularly hunted on defense. He still has $161.4 million coming over the next three years.
Denver should operate this offseason like Jokić will remain with the franchise for the remainder of his career. Everyone else should be on the table.
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham
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Cade Cunningham has arguably been the best player in the 2026 postseason to date, averaging 32.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists while leading the Detroit Pistons to a 4-3 series win over the Orlando Magic.
The core of Cunningham, Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren (restricted free agent) should all be held out of trade talks, as the trio are all 25 years old or younger and led Detroit to an East-best 60 wins this season.
With a cupboard of trade assets that include first-round picks, Ron Holland II, Isaiah Stewart and others, Cunningham, Thompson and Duren should all be untouchable.
Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry
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The oldest member of this entire exercise at 38, Stephen Curry is still an All-Star and the best player on the Golden State Warriors roster.
He may also be the only remaining familiar face, as head coach Steve Kerr is no longer under contract and Draymond Green could be used in a salary match for Giannis Antetokounmpo or another star.
The Warriors have reportedly made their future unprotected first-round picks available, meaning that Curry is the only untouchable member of the Warriors even at this stage of his career.
Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson
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Amen Thompson isn't the best Houston Rocket or even one of the team's top-two leading scorers, although the 23-year-old should be considered the most valuable when it comes to trade talks.
Despite his offensive limitations, Thompson averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 assists per game this season, finishing 8th in Defensive Player of the Year voting. One of the league's most versatile defenders at 6'7" and 200 pounds, Thompson's ability to play and defend four different positions puts him in rare territory.
Kevin Durant has been traded twice in the last three years. Alperen Şengün was an All-Star yet had a disturbing minus-7.8 swing rating (17th percentile, via Cleaning the Glass) this season. Thompson should be the only player the Rockets refuse to trade.
Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton
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We can't wait for Tyrese Haliburton to make his return to the court next season. The 26-year-old has averaged 19.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 10.2 assists, 1.4 steals and made 38.3 percent of his threes over the past three healthy seasons with the Indiana Pacers.
Indiana could also be adding a top-4 pick to the mix this June, giving them another (likely) untouchable player as they look to make a return to the top of the East next year. It's hard to imagine a star player becoming available who would be worthy of trading one of this draft's top talents for.
A two-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA performer and 2023-24 assist champion, Haliburton is still the sun in the Pacers' galaxy.
Los Angeles Clippers: Nothing?
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Is anyone or anything truly untouchable for the Los Angeles Clippers right now?
Kawhi Leonard is probably the most likely player to stay, although the 34-year-old has just a single season remaining on his contract. Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin (restricted free agent) are talented young players and potential cornerstones, although both were just traded three months ago.
Los Angeles' first-round pick is going to the Oklahoma City Thunder this year, although the Clippers did pick up some draft capital in the Ivica Zubac trade (2029 unprotected first and either 2026 first if it falls in the 5-9 range or a 2027 unprotected first).
With a young movement underway, nothing should be considered off limits for the Clippers after failing to make the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers: Luka Dončić
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The NBA's leading scorer this season at 33.5 points per game, Luka Dončić is going to be a Los Angeles Laker for a long time.
This is the summer that the Lakers build around Dončić as the team could have up to $53 million in cap space with players like LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and others hitting free agency.
Arguably the most surprising player traded in the history of the NBA, the Lakers won't make the same mistake as the Dallas Mavericks concerning Dončić.
Memphis Grizzlies: 2026 First-Round Pick
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Ja Morant may be the most available player in the NBA. Cedric Coward, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells are all nice young pieces but certainly not untouchable. The Memphis Grizzlies' most valuable asset, as they dive into a rebuild, is currently their 2026 lottery pick.
With the sixth-best odds at the No. 1 overall pick and a 37.2 percent chance at a top-4 selection, the Grizzlies are looking for their next franchise star after trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane in the past year.
Memphis also has some potentially super valuable first-round picks coming down the pipe, as they own unprotected first-rounders from the Orlando Magic (2030), Phoenix Suns (2031) and the most favorable between the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves next summer.
Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo
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Apparently, unless the San Antonio Spurs call the Miami Heat with an offer of Victor Wembanyama and eight draft picks, Bam Adebayo is staying in South Florida.
It's fair to wonder if any player should be untouchable given Miami's 10th-place finish in the lowly East. Selling high on Adebayo, especially after his 83-point game, is worth at least taking calls.
The Heat need to be in the star market this summer, especially if they keep Adebayo off limits. Giannis Antetokounmpo isn't a clean fit. Ja Morant doesn't move the needle enough. Miami has to hope a player like Donovan Mitchell becomes available.
Milwaukee Bucks: 2026 First-Round Pick
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Giannis Antetokounmpo will likely be the biggest name moved this summer. The Milwaukee Bucks shouldn't panic and trade their 2026 lottery pick in one last desperate chance to try and win now.
The Bucks own just a 3.0 percent chance at landing the No. 1 overall pick, although the Dallas Mavericks pulled off this feat just a year ago despite a 1.8 percent chance. Even staying around their projected No. 10 spot could land the Bucks a talented freshman like Mikel Brown Jr. or Nate Ament.
Perhaps the basketball gods will pity Milwaukee like they did Dallas a year ago, ushering in the next superstar to build around.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards
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Anthony Edwards is quickly filling up his trophy case with four All-Star trips, an All-Star MVP and Rookie of the Year award in his first six seasons, all before turning 25 years old.
A big, strong, athletic shooting guard, Edwards is already the best in the game at his position and one of the better first overall picks we've had in the last decade-plus. His postseason averages of 26.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals have helped lead the Wolves to the West Finals in 2024 and 2025.
One of the first players in the entire NBA you'd pick to build a franchise around, Edwards should be the only untouchable player on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
New Orleans Pelicans: Ask Again in the Fall
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Joe Dumars is wrapping up his first season as executive vice president of basketball operations with the New Orleans Pelicans. There's a lot of talent on the roster right now, although it's a mystery regarding who will be back by next season.
Are Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones available for the right price? Would the Pelicans consider moving their 2025 lottery picks in Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen for the right star? With no first-round pick this year, is next year's first (the more valuable between the Pels and Milwaukee Bucks) actually the best trade asset that New Orleans possesses?
There's A LOT to be sorted out with this roster. Fears and Queen are probably the most likely to stay, although there's no sure-fire lock at this point.
New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson
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Four years with the New York Knicks has resulted in three All-Star games, a trip to the East Finals and averages of 26.3 points and 6.8 assists for Jalen Brunson, the heart and soul of the franchise right now.
The rest of the Knicks may be playing for their security this postseason.
Karl-Anthony Towns will continue to pop up in trade rumors, especially if New York wants to make a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo. Mikal Bridges has been a major disappointment these playoffs and OG Anunoby, as good as he is, hasn't played up to his $200 million contract.
Brunson is the team's only untouchable as they look to make a Finals run.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (for starters)
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From All-Stars and high-upside prospects to first-round picks, the Oklahoma City Thunder may possess more untouchable assets than any NBA team.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the easy answer here, as the 27-year-old is likely to take home his second straight MVP award after his 31.1 points per game led the Thunder to a league-high 64 wins.
Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and even Cason Wallace are almost certainly safe. The Thunder own a ton of tantalizing first-round picks moving forward, including selections from the Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs and swap rights with the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks.
Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero?
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Following three straight first-round exits and now the dismissal of head coach Jamahl Mosley, is anyone safe in Orlando?
Paolo Banchero is probably the safest of the bunch, although he's shown a startling lack of growth during his first four seasons and is about to begin a max contract. The 23-year-old has never registered a positive swing rating, either.
Orlando needs a true starting point guard and may have to trade Banchero or Franz Wagner to get one, especially after giving up four first-round picks to get Desmond Bane last offseason.
Philadelphia 76ers: Tyrese Maxey (and VJ Edgecombe)
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Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are perhaps the most exciting young backcourt in the NBA. As tempting as it may be for Daryl Morey to go start hunting again this offseason, his guards need to be off limits.
Maxey's 28.3 points per game this year were good for fifth-most in the NBA while his 6.6 assists ranked 15th. One of the league's fastest players, Maxey finally has a running mate who can keep up with him.
Edgecombe, 20, was fantastic as a rookie who started all 75 games for the Philadelphia 76ers. While overshadowed at times by Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, Edgecombe was the best defender of the three and is easily the most athletic.
Phoenix Suns: Devin Booker
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"Devin Booker is not getting traded," Phoenix Suns owner Matt Ishbia recently stated via Arizona Sports. "Devin Booker's our franchise player ... we're gonna win a championship here with Devin Booker, and I'm excited to do it, and I'm excited to be next to him when we do that."
Well, there you go.
Booker just wrapped up his seventh straight season scoring 24.9 points or more per game for the Suns as he continues to distance himself as the franchise's all-time leading scorer, now at age 29.
The future contract is hefty ($250.5 million over the next four years, $62.6 million per season), although Ishbia appears more than happy to pay his franchise star while shooting down all trade rumors.
Portland Trail Blazers: Deni Avdija
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A few years ago we would have expected Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe to top this list, not a Washington Wizards' forward who didn't top 9.2 points per game until his fourth season in the NBA.
Now, Deni Avdija is coming off his first All-Star season, putting up 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. The only other NBA players to match or exceed these numbers this season were Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić.
The 25-year-old has worked his way into becoming a legit No. 1 option on a playoff team and is only getting better.
Sacramento Kings: 2026 First-Round Pick
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There's no untouchable player on what's become a depressing Sacramento Kings roster.
All of their "young" talent is already well past their teenage years, a group that includes Keegan Murray (25), Nique Clifford (24), Devin Carter (24), Dylan Cardwell (24) and Maxime Raynaud (23).
The Kings need to land a top pick in this draft.
Let the bidding war begin for players like Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and others, just keep the 2026 lottery pick out of all conversations.
San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama
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Victor Wembanyama should be the most untouchable player in the entire NBA.
The 22-year-old is already a two-time All-Star, three-time blocks leader, Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year who just led the San Antonio Spurs to the first of many playoff series wins in this era.
The question is, do the Spurs feel the same way about anyone else on the roster?
Would Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper be on the table for an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Donovan Mitchell? How patient do the Spurs plan on being now that they've tasted some playoff success? This summer will give us answers.
Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes
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Scottie Barnes may have taken a superstar leap this postseason, as he averaged 24.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 8.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.7 blocks and shot 38.1 percent from three in seven games against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was a monster defensively as well, helping to slow down Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and everyone inbetween.
Following a fifth-place finish for Defensive Player of the Year, Barnes is perhaps just a reliable three-point shot away from becoming a top-10 player in the NBA.
The Toronto Raptors should be considering all options around their 24-year-old forward who's become a true unicorn in the NBA.
Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey*
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The No. 5 overall pick of the 2025 NBA draft, Ace Bailey is the most untouchable player on the Utah Jazz roster right now. At least, until we see where they land in the draft lottery.
The 19-year-old is a 6'9" wing who averaged 15.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and shot 35.4 percent from three in his 61 starts. Becoming a more efficient scorer and willing passer will be key to his development.
Walker Kessler (restricted free agent) is apparently close to being untouchable as well. NBA Insider Chris Haynes reports that the Jazz turned down an offer of two unprotected first-round picks from the Indiana Pacers at the deadline for the big man's services.
Washington Wizards: 2026 First-Round Pick
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The Washington Wizards have assembled a nice young core of Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Will Riley and others. Are any truly untouchable, however? They shouldn't be.
Washington is still searching for its franchise star. Trae Young and Anthony Davis aren't No. 1 options at this stage in their careers.
The Wizards' most valuable asset isn't on the team yet. Owners of the worst record in the NBA, Washington is guaranteed a top-5 pick in this draft and has a 14.0 percent chance at selecting No. 1 overall.
