The 2024 summer will likely see a ton of movement from teams across the league. However, each team has certain players deemed untouchable.

These players, whether due to their star power,

unique skill sets, or potential for growth, form the cornerstone of their teams’ strategies.

With the summer of 2024 coming up in just a couple of weeks, here are the only untouchable players on every NBA roster.

Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young, Jalen Johnson

As the franchise cornerstone and one of the league’s premier point guards, Trae Young’s offensive prowess (25.7 PPG) and playmaking ability (10.8 APG) should make him untouchable for the Hawks but he has been shopped throughout the season.

It is always likely that the Atlanta Hawks will move Young to bring in a haul of assets but they might decide to keep him especially when the franchise can probably leverage Dejounte Murray, Clint Capela, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and De’Andre Hunter to give Young and potential No. 1 overall pick Alexandre Sarr some help on the court.

The Hawks will also hold onto Jalen Johnson who is only 22 years old and posted 16.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game this season. The 6’9” forward could be part of an exciting core led by Young and Sarr, should the latter be drafted.

Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown

The Boston Celtics boast Jayson Tatum (26.9 PPG) and Jaylen Brown (23.0 PPG) as their untouchable players and the reason is obvious. Boston can simply focus on surrounding them with the right pieces, as they did by acquiring Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.

Tatum and Brown simply have the size, skill, and youth behind them to make them successful together. Aren’t Celtics fans glad that their team didn’t swap Jaylen Brown for Kevin Durant?

Together, they form the core of the Celtics’ long-term contention no matter what pieces surround them. As the Celtics sit in the NBA Finals for the second time in three seasons, Tatum and Brown form easily one of the best duos in the NBA and neither should be moved at any cost.

Brooklyn Nets
Cam Thomas, Noah Clowney

The Brooklyn Nets have likely designated Cam Thomas (22.5 PPG) and 19-year-old Noah Clowney as their untouchable players. Thomas has quickly established himself as a dynamic scoring threat, showcasing his ability to create offense and score from all levels of the court.

Clowney, a promising young big man at 19 years old, brings defensive versatility and athleticism to the Nets’ frontcourt as he averaged 5.8 points and 3.5 rebounds (12.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game per 36 minutes) this season.

These two players represent Brooklyn’s commitment to building a young and talented roster alongside their established stars. As the Nets look to possibly cash in on Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, only two players are untouchable on the Nets going forward.

Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller

LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller are the untouchable players for the Charlotte Hornets heading into the 2024 season. Ball, a dynamic playmaker, has quickly become the face of the franchise with his flashy passing and scoring ability (23.9 PPG, 8.0 APG). Miller (17.3 PPG) has shown promise with his scoring touch and defensive prowess.

Their development is crucial for the Hornets’ aspirations to compete in the Eastern Conference. With Ball (22) and Miller (21) leading the charge, Charlotte looks to build around their young stars and continue to improve, hoping to build upon a terrible 2024 campaign (21-61).

Chicago Bulls
Coby White

Coby White is the lone untouchable player for the Chicago Bulls after posting 19.1 points per game on 37.6% from three this season. White has established himself as a dynamic scorer and playmaker, showcasing his ability to lead the Bulls’ offense with his scoring and passing.

DeMar DeRozan is a free agent, Zach LaVine is on the trading block, and the team might want to move on from Nikola Vucevic and Alex Caruso. With White at the helm, Chicago looks to build a competitive team around him, focusing on enhancing their roster to support his growth and compete at a high level in the NBA.

Patrick Williams could be another untouchable at 22 years old, but his concerning injury history might put the Bulls off from paying him a long-term deal and could exercise his $7.4M team option this summer.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley

Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley are the Cleveland Cavaliers’ untouchable players heading into the 2024 season. Mitchell, posting 29.6 PPG in the playoffs, brings scoring and leadership to the team, capable of taking over games with his scoring ability and playmaking.

Obviously, that could change if the shooting guard requests a trade, but the Cavaliers won’t be shopping him on their own accord because it will almost be impossible to bring back fair return for Mitchell.

Meanwhile, Mobley, a versatile big man at 22 years old, has impressed with his defensive prowess (1.4 BPG) and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor (15.7 PPG, 9.4 RPG).

Jarrett Allen’s ceiling isn’t as high as Mobley’s which is why he isn’t considered untouchable, while Darius Garland’s name has been floated around trade rumors a little more than anyone would have expected.

Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington

Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and PJ Washington are the untouchable players for the Dallas Mavericks heading into the 2024-25 season. Doncic has solidified himself as one of the league’s top players with his scoring ability (league-leading 33.9 PPG), playmaking (9.8 APG), and leadership.

Kyrie Irving brings experience and championship pedigree, providing veteran leadership and scoring prowess. This duo has led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011 and have fit seamlessly together on the court.

Interestingly, P.J. Washington, a versatile forward, complements them with his defensive skills and ability to stretch the floor. Washington is averaging 13.8 points per game on 36.1% from three this postseason and has been a surprisingly effective third option for the Mavericks.

Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray

Even if the Denver Nuggets could not return to the NBA Finals following last year’s title run, Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are the Denver Nuggets’ untouchable players heading into next season. Jokic, the crowned three-time MVP, is the heart and soul of the team with his unique playmaking ability as a center who averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game this year.

Murray is another star player who the Nuggets can’t afford to move because his clutch shot-making and chemistry with Jokic can make the team close to unbeatable at times. Their partnership has been crucial to the Nuggets’ success in the competitive Western Conference over the past few seasons and are still in their primes.

Meanwhile, Denver will be willing to move on from Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr for the right players, so they don’t quite make the untouchable list.

Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey

The Detroit Pistons are a bad team, but that doesn’t mean Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey are not untouchable. Cunningham (22.7 PPG, 7.5 APG), the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, has shown star potential with his all-around game, including scoring, playmaking, and defensive skills.

Ivey, at 22 years old, has impressed with his scoring ability and defensive intensity (15.4 PPG, 3.8 APG). Detroit should probably look to move everyone else considering how poorly their season went, at 14-68.

The Pistons are building their future around these two promising young players, aiming to develop them into cornerstones of the franchise. With Cunningham and Ivey leading the way, Detroit looks to accelerate its rebuilding process as much as possible because the rest of the roster should be made available for trade.

Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green

Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are the Golden State Warriors’ untouchable players based on their impact, leadership, and legacy. Klay Thompson is a free agent this summer and the fact that a contract has not been agreed upon means the second half of the Splash Brothers isn’t untouchable anymore.

Curry is still the face of the franchise and one of the greatest shooters in NBA history after posting 26.4 points per game this season. Green, a defensive anchor, provides versatility and leadership, anchoring the Warriors’ defense and providing playmaking from the frontcourt.

Together, they have been the backbone of the Warriors’ championship-winning teams and even if they likely won’t win a ring together again, both deserve to retire as Warriors players. Thompson does as well, but he might be looking out for his own career at this point.

Houston Rockets
Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr.

The Houston Rockets have shopped Jalen Green before, meaning Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. are the Houston Rockets’ untouchable players. Sengun has shown promise as a versatile big man with scoring and playmaking abilities, demonstrating his potential to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Sengun (21.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 5.0 APG) might have missed out on the All-Star Team this season due to an untimely injury.

Smith Jr., a highly touted 21-year-old, is known for his scoring ability and defensive potential. The Rockets see them as key pieces for their rebuilding efforts, aiming to develop them into cornerstones of the franchise as the rest of the roster including Green and Dillon Brooks could be used in trades. Could Mikal Bridges or Paul George potentially be a player that fits Houston’s profile?

Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton

The Pacers made the Eastern Conference Finals this season which means Tyrese Haliburton (20.1 PPG, 10.9 APG) is the untouchable player while Myles Turner and Andrew Nembhard are following close behind. Haliburton, a talented young guard, has impressed with his playmaking ability and defensive prowess as a bonafide All-Star.

The Pacers will also want to pay Pascal Siakam (21.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG) a max deal to remain with the team this summer and his partnership with Haliburton will be crucial to the Pacers’ success in the Eastern Conference, as they aim to build a competitive team capable of challenging for playoff contention and potentially contending for an NBA championship. However, Siakam is a free agent so he can’t be deemed an untouchable right now although if he re-signs, he won’t be going anywhere soon.

Los Angeles Clippers
Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard (23.7 PPG) stands as the lone untouchable player for the Los Angeles Clippers considering Paul George will likely walk in free agency and James Harden isn’t exactly the MVP-caliber player from his days with the Houston Rockets.

Despite injury setbacks, Leonard remains a cornerstone for the Clippers’ franchise, and his presence ensures they remain competitive in the Western Conference. Not to mention, the Clippers need a star player and Leonard will always be that.

With Leonard leading the charge, the Clippers aim to build a competitive team around his talents, focusing on making deep playoff runs and potentially contending for an NBA title in the coming seasons even if George walks in free agency.

Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James, Anthony Davis

Obviously, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are the untouchable players for the Los Angeles Lakers even if the former will turn 40 years old next season. Davis, a dominant big man, provides scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking, anchoring the Lakers’ frontcourt with his versatility, and was an All-Star and All-NBA Team performer this season (24.7 PPG, 12.6 RPG, 2.3 BPG).

Together, they form a dynamic duo capable of leading the Lakers to championship contention in the Western Conference even if James approaches 40 years old. You can never count out The King when he has superstar help.

D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura are the key assets the Lakers can use to improve the roster around their superstar duo which is why we could see some player movement this summer.

Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr.

Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. are the trio of untouchable youngsters for the Memphis Grizzlies for the foreseeable future. Morant, despite his off-court issues this season, has emerged as a franchise player with his scoring, playmaking, and highlight-reel dunks.

Bane, a sharpshooting wing, provides scoring and perimeter defense after posting 23.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game this season. There might not be a better fit alongside Morant in terms of floor spacing.

Jackson Jr., a versatile big man, brings scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking, anchoring the Grizzlies’ frontcourt with his athleticism. Together, they form a young and talented core for the Grizzlies’ future aspirations, and they could be scary in just a few years’ time.

Miami Heat
Bam Adebayo, Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Bam Adebayo and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are the untouchable players for the Miami Heat since Jimmy Butler’s contract situation is up in the air. We aren’t sure if Butler will re-sign, and based on the rumors, it could be a 50-50 chance we see the star in a Heat uniform again.

Adebayo, a versatile big man, provides scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking, anchoring the Heat’s frontcourt with his athleticism and defensive prowess. Jaquez Jr., a promising 23-year-old forward, has shown potential with his scoring ability in his rookie campaign (11.9 PPG).

Their partnership is crucial to the Heat’s success in the Eastern Conference, as they aim to build a competitive team capable of challenging for playoff contention and potentially contending for an NBA championship in the near future. Tyler Herro and Nikola Jovic might be untouchable as well, but for the right superstar, they will be the players the Heat will move.

Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Bobby Portis

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Bobby Portis are the untouchable players for the Milwaukee Bucks and the rest of the roster could be shopped accordingly. Giannis is still one of the best players in the world and when healthy, makes the Bucks legitimate title contenders.

Damian Lillard was acquired before this season and cannot possibly be replaced in the trade market which makes him untouchable. He also had a strong postseason, averaging 31.3 points per game which shows he is still in his prime.

Finally, Bobby Portis is a two-way big man on a team-friendly contract ($12,578,286) who gives the Bucks hustle and defense. This formidable trio will help the Bucks compete at the highest level in the Eastern Conference and look towards winning their second NBA championship with The Greek Freak leading the way.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jaden McDaniels

The Timberwolves will never move Anthony Edwards for any player in the world. He is only 22 years old and led the team to the Western Conference Finals, making him a truly special talent and the future face of the NBA.

Karl-Anthony Towns might not be as valuable as Edwards, but he will be hard to replace because he is a two-way All-Star who shot 41.6% from three this year. If he is happy as the second option, Towns won’t be going anywhere.

Rudy Gobert had a great regular season but he cannot be deemed untouchable over 23-year-old Jaden McDaniels who is an elite perimeter defender and an improving offensive player. McDaniels averaged 10.5 points per game this season so he fits alongside Edwards and Towns as untouchables going forward.

New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson, Herb Jones

Unless the Pelicans decide to blow it up, Zion Williamson is the untouchable player for the New Orleans Pelicans. Williamson, a dynamic forward, has shown incredible scoring ability and athleticism since entering the league, becoming the face of the Pelicans’ franchise.

The only problem has been Zion’s health and we don’t know if that will change. However, if the Pelicans were to choose between Zion and Brandon Ingram, the former would stay. Ingram is a talented All-Star who posted 20.8 points per game this season, but his ceiling simply isn’t high enough to make him untouchable.

Herb Jones is another untouchable player because at 25 years old, he made the 2023-24 All-Defensive First Team and also chipped in 11.0 points per game. A core of Williamson and Jones could be one to build upon because the Knicks can surround them with the right talent going forward and in due time, especially if they trade Brandon Ingram.

New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart

Jalen Brunson (28.7 PPG) has shown leadership and scoring ability, becoming a key player for the New York Knicks’ roster after playing at superhuman levels in the playoffs at times. At 27 years old, Brunson has many years left at a superstar level and that bodes well for the Knicks’ future.

Julius Randle could be the odd man out despite being an All-Star and could be moved for the right price because Brunson is simply the best player on the Knicks and one of the best guards in the NBA following his postseason performances (32.4 PPG).

Josh Hart, a versatile guard, provides scoring, defense, and leadership, complementing the Knicks’ lineup with his all-around skills, and is a favorite of coach Tom Thibodeau which could make him a player that won’t be going anywhere.

Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams

The Oklahoma City Thunder will soon become the powerhouse of the Western Conference. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams are the untouchable players for the Oklahoma City Thunder heading into next year and going forward.

Shai was an MVP candidate after posting 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game and almost led the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals. Holmgren was dominant at times in his first season and will be a bonafide All-Star going forward while Jalen Williams has All-Star capabilities as well.

The Thunder could decide to move Luguentz Dort, Jaylin Williams, and other key pieces if it means the Thunder can create a superteam. With the number of picks they have, the sky is the limit when it comes to surrounding Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams with talent.

Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner

The 21-year-old All-Star Paolo Banchero is ready to lead a team and he proved it by being one game away from the second round of the playoffs with the Magic. Averaging 22.6 points per game in the regular season and 27.0 points in the playoffs, Banchero is a legitimate star for the future.

Franz Wagner, a young forward, provides scoring, defense, and leadership, complementing the Magic’s lineup with his all-around skills. At 22 years old, Wagner hasn’t even scratched the surface of his prime just yet.

Banchero and Wagner’s partnership is crucial to Orlando’s success in the Eastern Conference, as they aim to develop their roster and compete at a high level as soon as possible.

Jamahl Mosley and the Magic are focusing on making deep playoff runs and building a sustainable winning culture in the near future which means they will move any player on the team if it means bringing them a legitimate All-Star to pair with Banchero and Wagner.

Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey

Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey are the untouchable players for the Philadelphia 76ers and that isn’t a surprise. Joel Embiid followed up last year’s MVP campaign with another one before injuries derailed his season.

Tyrese Maxey became an All-Star and Most Improved Player (25.9 PPG, 6.2 APG), and this duo could lead the 76ers to great things one day as long as the roster is built around him in the backcourt.

There aren’t any other untouchables on the roster because there aren’t any players on the roster this summer. Only Paul Reed is the recognized member of the team under contract, meaning the 76ers will go all-in this summer in free agency to acquire Paul George, OG Anunoby, or potentially Jimmy Butler to create a Big Three.

Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker, Kevin Durant

The Phoenix Suns will probably regret the Bradley Beal trade going forward, but at least they have Devin Booker. Booker is a cornerstone of the Suns’ franchise with his scoring ability and leadership and he helped lead the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021.

At 27, Booker has plenty left in the tank and could make the Suns relevant again after making his fourth All-Star selection in 2024. After all, there isn’t a better shooting guard in the NBA outside of Donovan Mitchell.

Now we get to Kevin Durant. Unless the Suns can acquire a top-15 player, they won’t move Kevin Durant which is why he is considered untouchable. Durant is not only an elite shooter but an experienced playoff star, meaning the Suns can surround him and Booker with the right pieces this summer.

Portland Trail Blazers
Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe

Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe are the untouchable players for the Portland Trail Blazers team that only won 21 games this season. Henderson, a highly touted rookie guard, has shown promise with his scoring ability and playmaking skills and picked it up towards the end of the season and finished with averages of 14.0 points and 5.4 assists per game.

Simons has also emerged as a scoring threat with his shooting and athleticism as he has two straight seasons posting at least 20 points per game. At 24 years old, the guard has the offensive ability to be part of a long-term rebuild.

Sharpe has shown potential with his scoring ability and defensive skills. Their development is crucial to the Trail Blazers’ success in the Western Conference, which could mean a package including Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton could be moved for future assets and young players.

Sacramento Kings
De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, Keegan Murray

The Sacramento Kings have an excellent trio of players but they need to find a way to improve the roster around them. De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Keegan Murray are the untouchable players who fit perfectly together.

Fox is an All-Star who provides scoring, playmaking, and leadership for the Kings with his speed and agility. After aiming the playoffs last year, Fox could be the driving force behind a resurgent season next year.

Sabonis, a skilled big man, brings scoring, rebounding, and playmaking ability to Sacramento’s frontcourt. The 23-year-old Murray has shown potential with his scoring ability and defensive skills and could be an All-Star very soon considering he averaged 15.2 points and 5.5 rebounds per game this season.

San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell

Superstar Victor Wembanyama and young star Devin Vassell are the untouchable players for the San Antonio Spurs. Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan could be used in some major deals to improve the Spurs’ roster around the two untouchables.

Wembanyama had one of the most impressive rookie campaigns ever after posting 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game. The Frenchman won’t be traded for any player in the NBA, and that is amazing to consider.

Vassell, a 23-year-old scorer, provides consistent scoring for the Spurs with his all-around skills. The partnership of Wembanyama and Vassell is crucial to San Antonio’s rebuilding plans because the former could end up being one of the most dominant players in the NBA by next season at the earliest.

Toronto Raptors
Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley

The star of the team is 22-year-old Scottie Barnes (19.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG) who the Raptors want until the player retires. Making the All-Star Team this year, Barnes won’t be moved for almost any player in the league from the Raptors’ point of view.

After moving Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, the Raptors will also hold onto RJ Barrett (20.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG) and Immanuel Quickley (17.0 PPG, 4.9 APG). Otherwise, the trades would have made zero sense to start with.

Barrett, a dynamic scoring guard, provides scoring and leadership for Toronto with his shooting and playmaking ability. Quickley, a talented young guard, has emerged as a scoring threat off the bench with his shooting and playmaking ability. With each of these players under 25 years old, the Raptors have no choice but to hold on for now.

Utah Jazz
Keyonte George, Walker Kessler

The Jazz want to cash in on Lauri Markkanen who could net the team multiple first-round picks if they get what they want. Keyonte George and Walker Kessler could be the only players that the Jazz might hold onto for the foreseeable future.

George, a highly touted rookie guard, has shown promise with his scoring ability, playmaking, and defensive skills this season after posting 13.0 points per game and making the All-Rookie Team.

Kessler, a versatile big man, provides scoring (8.1 PPG), rebounding (7.5 RPG), and shot-blocking (2.4 BPG) for Utah’s frontcourt with his athleticism and defensive abilities. Their development is crucial to the Jazz’s success in the Western Conference as the franchise looks to continue building their core through the draft.

Washington Wizards
Bilal Coulibaly, Deni Avdija

The Washington Wizards will look to move on from Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma this summer after neither player was a capable leader in a very disappointing campaign. That means 19-year-old Bilal Coulibaly (8.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG) and 23-year-old Deni Avdija (14.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG) are the untouchable players for the Washington Wizards heading into the 2024 season.

Coulibaly, a promising young forward, has shown potential with his scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive skills. Avdija, a versatile forward, provides scoring, defense, and leadership for the Wizards with his all-around skills.

The Wizards’ future isn’t looking very strong because, without recognizable star talent, they have to hold onto their youngsters and try to move as many assets as possible, including Kuzma and Poole.