As NBA front offices navigate the complexities of roster management, they often project the image that all players are untouchable when in reality, only a handful might truly fit that designation. With a potentially eventful summer approaching in 2025, this analysis highlights the players deemed most off-limits on each team. A critical point to note is the evolving landscape influenced by recent trades and financial regulations, suggesting that almost any player can be traded if the right offer emerges. The players highlighted here are considered the most challenging to acquire.

For the Atlanta Hawks, the names of All-Rookie first-teamer Zaccharie Risacher and Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels surface as vital components of their young roster, both still on rookie-scale deals that are immensely valuable in today’s economic climate. While the Hawks may consider moving them in a hypothetical package for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, it speaks volumes about the transactional nature of the league; most teams would move anyone for the right deal, although an extreme offer would be required to entice them away from Atlanta.

The Boston Celtics are also contemplating significant moves as they prepare for a potential $500 million payroll and tax burden. Players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis may find themselves on the trading block, with Jayson Tatum firmly off-limits as the team aims to reshape the roster and payroll for his anticipated return from a ruptured Achilles injury. The answer to whether Tatum would surface in trade discussions remains complicated; while it would require immense offers beyond the scope of traditional negotiating to pry him from Boston, the franchise’s loyalty to him remains resolute.