The 2024-25 NBA season has been a transformative period for many franchises. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, have emerged as legitimate title contenders, while the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks have ridden their stars to push towards championship contention.
In contrast, teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers are navigating the challenges of aging cores and salary cap constraints, while the Boston Celtics (dealing with Jayson Tatum's injury) and the Dallas Mavericks (adjusting to the departure of Luka Doncic) are also reassessing their player hierarchies.
In this article, we categorize players from each NBA team into three tiers: "Untouchable," "Valuable Asset," and "Trade-Now" and there will be some major surprises as to who falls in the elite category.
Atlanta Hawks
Untouchable: Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels
Valuable Assets: Trae Young, Zaccharie Risacher, Onyeka Okongwu
Trade-Now: Terance Mann
The Hawks are at a crossroads. With Trae Young's future uncertain, Atlanta is reportedly considering moving on from their star guard after seven seasons, and that might make a lot of sense for a rebuilding team.
Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels (2025 Most Improved Player) are deemed untouchable, signaling a potential shift towards a new core. Valuable assets like Zaccharie Risacher and Onyeka Okongwu could be leveraged in trades, while Terance Mann has to be on the trade block because of the fact that he will make $15,500,000, $15,500,000, and $16,000,000 over the next three seasons.
Boston Celtics
Untouchable: Jayson Tatum, Derrick White
Valuable Assets: Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard
Trade-Now: Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday
Boston's commitment to Jayson Tatum and Derrick White remains firm. However, Jaylen Brown, despite being a terrific player, is considered movable for a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo. This has to be the case after a very disappointing second-round exit to the Knicks this postseason.
Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard are valuable assets, while big man Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday are candidates for trade, indicating a potential roster overhaul to pursue championship aspirations.
Brooklyn Nets
Untouchable: None
Valuable Assets: Cam Thomas, Nicolas Claxton, Noah Clowney
Trade-Now: Cam Johnson
The Nets are in search of a franchise star, and we have some targets for them in the 2025 offseason. Cam Thomas, Nicolas Claxton, and Noah Clowney are valuable assets, with Thomas being a potential re-signing since there is a $5,993,172 qualifying offer on the table.
Cam Johnson is on the trade block, suggesting Brooklyn is open to significant changes to accelerate their rebuild. Johnson will earn $21,057,065 and $23,062,500 over the next two seasons, and that makes him a perfect trade piece (along with picks) for an elite star.
Charlotte Hornets
Untouchable: Brandon Miller
Valuable Assets: LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Josh Green, Tidjane Salaun
Trade-Now: Jusuf Nurkic, Grant Williams, Josh Okogie
Brandon Miller is the only untouchable player in Charlotte. LaMelo Ball's future is uncertain, with reports indicating he is no longer untouchable. The Hornets might consider trading Ball if they can't find a way to add an elite star to pair with him, a smart strategy.
Miles Bridges, Josh Green, and Tidjane Salaun are valuable assets, while Jusuf Nurkic, Grant Williams, and Josh Okogie are trade candidates. The Hornets are poised for a potential roster shake-up because dwelling at the bottom of the East has to be getting old at some point.
Chicago Bulls
Untouchable: None
Valuable Assets: Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, Coby White, Patrick Williams
Trade-Now: Nikola Vucevic, Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, Lonzo Ball
The Bulls are in need of a re-focus, with no players deemed untouchable. Young talents like Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Patrick Williams are valuable assets, but are nowhere near untouchable.
Veterans Nikola Vucevic, Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter, and Lonzo Ball are on the trade block, signaling a shift towards youth and future assets. A mix of valuable assets and trade-now pieces could net them a win-now veteran to start appeasing frustrated Bulls fans.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Untouchable: Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley
Valuable Assets: Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, De'Andre Hunter,
Trade-Now: Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, Dean Wade
Following a disappointing playoff exit, the Cavaliers are focusing on building around Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley. Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and De'Andre Hunter are valuable assets, while Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, and Dean Wade are trade candidates. After all, a blockbuster trade involving Garland and Allen could be the move that takes Cleveland over the top this summer.
The team has to evaluate its roster to better support its core stars. It wouldn't be a good idea to pull the plug on a Mitchell-led roster, even if it has historically not led to playoff success, and Mobley just won DPOY.
Dallas Mavericks
Untouchable: Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis
Valuable Assets: Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Max Christie
Trade-Now: Klay Thompson, Caleb Martin
With the opportunity to draft Cooper Flagg No. 1 overall, the Mavericks are considering moves to build around Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis. Perhaps the Mavs might leverage their No. 1 pick and create a superteam this summer, clearly marking a quick re-tool after trading Luka Doncic.
Dereck Lively II, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, and Max Christie are valuable assets. Klay Thompson and Caleb Martin are on the trade block, indicating Dallas's intent to optimize its roster for contention. Utilizing a mix of their valuable and trade-now assets could net them the right player for the right price this summer.
Denver Nuggets
Untouchable: Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon
Valuable Assets: Jamal Murray, Christian Braun
Trade-Now: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji
Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon have proven to be untouchable after another postseason run this year. The former is arguably the best player in the world, and Gordon is one of the best defenders in the NBA. That means there needs to be a proper rebuild plan this offseason.
Jamal Murray and Christian Braun are valuable assets, while Michael Porter Jr. and Zeke Nnaji are trade candidates. The Nuggets are open to making moves (likely involving Porter Jr.) to bring in new stars and maintain their competitive edge.
Detroit Pistons
Untouchable: Cade Cunningham
Valuable Assets: Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey
Trade-Now: Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, Simone Fontecchio
Cade Cunningham is the cornerstone of the Pistons and is considered untouchable after a dominant regular season and impressive playoff debut. Quite frankly, the Pistons need to be on the hunt to find another star to pair with Cade.
Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Jaden Ivey are valuable assets and could be moved for the right price. Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, and Simone Fontecchio are on the trade block, as Detroit looks to build a competitive roster around Cunningham.
Golden State Warriors
Untouchable: Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III, Draymond Green
Valuable Assets: Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski
Trade-Now: Jonathan Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis
The Warriors are keeping their title window open, with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and Draymond Green as untouchables. This core is one major piece away from becoming the NBA's favorite to win it all next season, which is why we recommended trades for a new starting center, including a superstar player.
Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and Brandin Podziemski are valuable assets. Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis are trade candidates, as Golden State seeks a fourth star to bolster their championship aspirations. It is obvious that Kuminga is the hottest trade asset in any trade that could happen.
Houston Rockets
Untouchable: Amen Thompson
Valuable Assets: Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, Tari Eason
Trade-Now: Cam Whitmore, Reed Sheppard, Jock Landale
Amen Thompson is the only untouchable player for the Rockets, as good as the rest of the core is. After finishing second in the West, the team lacked enough star power to progress past the first round of the playoffs, and sacrifices might have to be made to move forward.
Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks, and Tari Eason are valuable assets. Cam Whitmore, Reed Sheppard, and Jock Landale are on the trade block. Houston is exploring options to acquire a superstar, possibly dangling a player of All-Star Sengun's caliber to lure Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Indiana Pacers
Untouchable: Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam
Valuable Assets: Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith
Trade-Now: Bennedict Mathurin
Currently in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers are building around Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, a team that seems to do well in big moments. Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith are valuable assets who are slowly coming into their own as perfect role players.
Meanwhile, Bennedict Mathurin is a trade candidate, and even Myles Turner (heading to free agency and not included as a result) could be packaged for a trade. Interestingly, a player such as Jonathan Kuminga could be a perfect piece for the Pacers moving forward.
Los Angeles Clippers
Untouchable: None
Valuable Assets: Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell, Ivica Zubac
Trade-Now: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Drew Eubanks
The Clippers are open to significant changes, with no players deemed untouchable. Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac are valuable assets who will be moved for the right player. Kawhi used to be untouchable, but there will be a couple of interested teams should he be available in the trade market. The same can be said for James Harden, who has a $36.3 million player option.
Bogdan Bogdanovic and Drew Eubanks are on the trade block, as the team evaluates its direction following another early playoff exit. Perhaps a move for a top-tier star like Kevin Durant could prevent a complete blow-up this summer.
Los Angeles Lakers
Untouchable: LeBron James, Luka Doncic
Valuable Assets: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura
Trade-Now: Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, Shake Milton
The Lakers are going all-in next season, with LeBron James and Luka Doncic as untouchables. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura are valuable assets, but not untouchable by any means. Reaves, in particular, could net the Lakers the right player they need to take a step forward in the West. Considering the power the Lakers have in acquiring superstar talent, they might even be in a position to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo without having to give up James or Doncic either.
Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and Shake Milton are trade candidates, as Los Angeles seeks to bolster its roster for a championship run. At the very least, the Lakers can target a mix of veterans who could contribute immediately, with a title window around LeBron steadily closing.
Memphis Grizzlies
Untouchable: None
Valuable Assets: Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey
Trade-Now: Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, John Konchar
The Grizzlies are considering moving on from Ja Morant due to ongoing distractions and health concerns. Morant will seemingly never dedicate his focus to basketball this summer, and that means he could be traded for a major return this offseason.
Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Zach Edey are valuable assets. Brandon Clarke and John Konchar are on the trade block, as Memphis looks to rebuild around its remaining core. It will be a very interesting offseason for a team that can't seem to reach its potential.
Miami Heat
Untouchable: Bam Adebayo
Valuable Assets: Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez
Trade-Now: Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, Kyle Anderson
Bam Adebayo is considered one of the best two-way players and is untouchable until further notice. It is hard to find a big man who can do the things Bam does, along with fitting into Miami Heat culture.
That means Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic, and Jaime Jaquez are valuable assets. Andrew Wiggins, Terry Rozier, and Kyle Anderson are trade candidates, as Miami explores options to acquire a superstar player such as Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant. For the Heat, they might need a complete rebuild plan to attack the 2025-26 NBA season with force following a difficult campaign.
Milwaukee Bucks
Untouchable: None
Valuable Assets: None
Trade-Now: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Kyle Kuzma
With Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially seeking a new team, the Bucks are facing a pivotal offseason. There are discussions being had about The Greek Freak's future in Milwaukee, but it seems that the superstar player will eventually request a trade away from the team.
Damian Lillard and Kyle Kuzma are also on the trade block, as Milwaukee's title window appears to be closing. Lillard is likely out for the 2025-26 NBA season due to an Achilles injury, and he could be moved in a desperate attempt to keep Giannis in Milwaukee. Overall, the Bucks will have to keep Giannis motivated in Milwaukee or else they will have to blow it up.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Untouchable: Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels
Valuable Assets: Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Donte DiVincenzo
Trade-Now: Naz Reid
Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels are untouchable for the Timberwolves because they each contribute to a winning side that is currently in the Western Conference Finals. That means Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Donte DiVincenzo are valuable assets.
Naz Reid is a trade candidate, as Minnesota evaluates its roster for potential improvements. Reid was given a lot of trust to up his game, which is why Karl-Anthony Towns was traded before the season, but he hasn't lived up to his game and might not be worth a max extension. Could a shocking deal for Kevin Durant be on the table for the Wolves as a result?
New Orleans Pelicans
Untouchable: None
Valuable Assets: Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, Yves Missi
Trade-Now: Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum
The Pelicans are considering a complete rebuild, with no players deemed untouchable anymore in all likelihood. Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, and Yves Missi are valuable assets but are surely not untradable if it means netting the franchise some future first-round picks.
Zion Williamson, Dejounte Murray, and CJ McCollum are on the trade block, signaling a potential overhaul of the roster. Zion, in particular, is a player whom the Pelicans management will be happy to move, and there will be a handful of landing spots for the No. 1 overall pick.
New York Knicks
Untouchable: Jalen Brunson
Valuable Assets: Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Miles McBride
Trade-Now: Mitchell Robinson
Jalen Brunson is the only untouchable player for the Knicks because he is arguably a top-five player in franchise history. His leadership and offensive ability will always give the franchise a go-to star that could guide them in the postseason.
That means Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and Miles McBride are valuable assets if the team cannot progress past the Eastern Conference Finals. Mitchell Robinson is a prime trade candidate, as New York aims to build a championship-caliber team.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Untouchable: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren
Valuable Assets: Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe
Trade-Now: Nikola Topic
League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren are untouchable for the Thunder and will be the primary pieces moving forward, whether they end up winning the NBA championship this season or not. Of course, Luguentz Dort, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe are valuable assets.
Nikola Topic has to be on the trade block, as Oklahoma City considers their future flexibility because they cannot afford to keep and pay everybody. Topic is only 19 years old and was nursing an ACL injury for the entire season, so perhaps the Thunder can cash in on the youngster because the team has too many players ahead of him on the depth chart.
Orlando Magic
Untouchable: Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner
Valuable Assets: Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr.
Trade-Now: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are the cornerstones of the Magic and are untouchable. They can be the core of a future title-contender as long as the team around them improves considerably. Perhaps an all-in move for LaMelo Ball could give the Magic a legitimate Big Three.
Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. are valuable assets, which means they are critical to the team but not untouchable by any means. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jonathan Isaac, and Cole Anthony are trade candidates, as Orlando seeks a third star to complement their young core.
Philadelphia 76ers
Untouchable: Tyrese Maxey
Valuable Assets: Jared McCain
Trade-Now: Joel Embiid, Paul George
Tyrese Maxey is the future of the 76ers, and the team needs to recognize that the current core will not lead to anything except more disappointment. Luckily for them, the 76ers have the No. 3 overall pick and could add a legitimate star player to pair with Maxey next season.
With Joel Embiid and Paul George struggling with injuries, the team is considering moving on from them to build a younger, more resilient core. Every NBA team will at least have some interest in acquiring Embiid, but even if the Sixers want to keep the big man, Paul George could be moved for some new pieces.
Phoenix Suns
Untouchable: Devin Booker
Valuable Assets: None
Trade-Now: Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale
Devin Booker is the only untouchable on the Suns because the franchise can't afford to lose him, with most of the roster made available for trade. The 2024-25 NBA season was embarrassing for the organization that had too much talent to struggle as much as they did on the court.
With Kevin Durant likely on the move and Bradley Beal's no-trade clause complicating matters, the team is looking to reshape its roster for a more sustainable future. We have ideas of where Durant could be moved because the Suns' experiment of acquiring star players has clearly failed.
Portland Trail Blazers
Untouchable: None
Valuable Assets: Toumani Camara, Scoot Henderson, Donovan Clingan, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe,
Trade-Now: Deni Avdija, Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant, Robert Williams III
The Trail Blazers don't have any untouchables, although Toumani Camara, Scoot Henderson, and Donovan Clingan could become that at some point. As of right now, Potland has to proceed cautiously to start making moves by acquiring picks and more young players.
Veterans like Deandre Ayton and Jerami Grant are on the trade block as the team focuses on developing its young talent. It is time for the Trail Blazers to start getting rid of players who don't fit their long-term goals (including two-way wing Deni Avdija) and start acquiring future assets as a result.
Sacramento Kings
Untouchable: Keegan Murray
Valuable Assets: Malik Monk
Trade-Now: Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Jonas Valanciunas
Keegan Murray is the centerpiece of the Kings' future because nobody else fits the bill in that sense. Murray is only 24 years old and has the potential to be an All-Star someday. Meanwhile, with De'Aaron Fox gone, the Kings might have to move on from their big names.
The team is prepared to trade key players like Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan to initiate a comprehensive rebuild. Even Zach LaVine is a player who could be moved in a proposed deal with the Detroit Pistons to kickstart a fresh rebuild.
San Antonio Spurs
Untouchable: Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox
Valuable Assets: Stephon Castle, Jeremy Sochan
Trade-Now: Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, Harrison Barnes
With Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox as untouchables, the Spurs could be looking to add a third superstar using their No. 2 pick. Wemby is nursing blood clots in his shoulder and is expected to return, so the Spurs need to take advantage of the superstar player's presence as long as he is available.
As a result, players like Devin Vassell could be moved to acquire the necessary assets. If the Spurs can't land a superstar, they could do a lot worse than drafting Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey to bolster their budding depth chart.
Toronto Raptors
Untouchable: Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram
Valuable Assets: Jakob Poeltl
Trade-Now: RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley
Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram form a talented duo for the Raptors, and there is hope they can push for some wins next season. To acquire a third star, the team is considering trading RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, aiming to elevate their competitive standing.
A blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo has to be the team's priority, and we expect Masai Ujiri to work on this idea this summer. Alternatively, a shocking deal for Kevin Durant could boost the Raptors right into the postseason after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign.
Utah Jazz
Untouchable: None
Valuable Assets: Lauri Markkanen, Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George
Trade-Now: Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson
With no untouchables, the Jazz are open to trading players like Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler if it means netting them future assets. If the Jazz don't feel like they can win as constructed, they could move their most valuable pieces.
However, holding the No. 3 pick, the team could instead be focused on accumulating a superstar player. The Jazz can go one of two ways and could instead target a superstar player to build around because Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey is a very intriguing option for many teams.
Washington Wizards
Untouchable: None
Valuable Assets: Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly
Trade-Now: Jordan Poole, Marcus Smart, Corey Kispert, Richaun Holmes
The Wizards are embracing a youth movement, with Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly as key pieces who should be the focus of a full-scale rebuild. Washington is not going anywhere as currently constructed, and need to realize that they will have to move on from veterans.
Players like Jordan Poole and Marcus Smart are on the trading block, in all likelihood, and that also includes Corey Kispert and Richaun Holmes, who could help win-now teams. Expect the Wizards to make moves this summer to either completely tank or add some more wins to their record.
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