After the Shocking Doncic Trade, Only These Five Players Remain Untouchable

The NBA world is still reeling from the seismic trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. It’s a deal that rocked the foundation of the league, raising serious questions about what "untouchable" really means in today’s NBA. If a 25-year-old superstar, widely considered a top-five player in the league, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, can be traded just like that—then who’s truly safe?

The same could be said for Davis, a perennial top-10 talent, an NBA champion, and a player who was seen as LeBron James’ successor in Los Angeles. Neither Dončić nor Davis had major public conflicts with their respective franchises, yet they were swapped in a move that sent shockwaves across the league.

With that in mind, we’ve identified the five true untouchables left in the NBA. These are the players who, due to a combination of talent, marketability, and franchise value, are as close to "untradeable" as it gets in today’s league.

5. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)

Despite a down year by his standards—averaging 22.1 points per game, his lowest since his pre-MVP days—Stephen Curry remains the heart and soul of the Golden State Warriors. The team itself is struggling, sitting at 25-24 and outside the Western Conference playoff picture. Yet, regardless of his on-court performance, Curry’s importance to the Warriors extends far beyond the game.

Curry is the Warriors’ most valuable asset—not just as a player but as a brand. He’s the face of the franchise, the reason Chase Center stays packed, and the key figure behind the team’s meteoric rise in valuation. Even at 36, he continues to top jersey sales, proving his marketability remains unmatched. No matter how desperate Golden State may get, they won’t trade away their most iconic player, the man who turned their franchise into a dynasty.

4. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers)

If Dončić can be traded, why not LeBron? The answer is simple: LeBron James isn’t just a player—he’s an institution. Even at 40 years old, he remains one of the league’s biggest stars, still playing at an All-NBA level. This season, he has frequently appeared in the MVP conversation, proving that he is still a dominant force.

But LeBron’s value goes beyond basketball. His presence alone generates massive revenue for the Lakers. With his son, Bronny, set to enter the NBA, the allure of a father-son duo playing together ensures that LeBron stays put. He also has a no-trade clause, meaning any move would require his approval. Unlike Davis, who was seen as LeBron’s heir in L.A., James is truly untouchable. The Lakers can survive without AD—but they cannot afford to part ways with LeBron.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just having a breakout season—he’s establishing himself as an MVP frontrunner. Averaging 32.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, he’s leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to the best record in the Western Conference.

While OKC has long been known for aggressively stockpiling draft picks and making bold trades, Shai is an exception. His impact on the team is staggering—when he’s on the court, the Thunder outscore opponents by 18.0 points per 100 possessions; without him, that number drops to just 0.8.

In his rookie year, Shai was traded as part of the Paul George deal. But that version of SGA is long gone. Now, he’s the Thunder’s undisputed franchise cornerstone, leading a team that’s poised to be a title contender for years to come. There’s simply no scenario in which OKC moves him.

2. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)

In today’s NBA, there’s no better "floor-raiser" than Nikola Jokić. The reigning NBA Finals MVP is averaging 29.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game with an absurd 66.0% true shooting percentage. He’s on track to win his third MVP in four seasons.

Jokić isn’t just Denver’s best player—he’s their entire system. The Nuggets won their first championship behind his brilliance, and as long as he’s on the floor, they are legitimate title contenders.

The mere thought of Denver trading Jokić is unimaginable. He’s the type of superstar that franchises build statues for. His loyalty, combined with his unique dominance, makes him as untouchable as it gets.

1. Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs)

Victor Wembanyama is only in his second season, but he’s already proving why he’s considered one of the most unique talents in NBA history. Averaging 24.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.9 blocks per game with a 59.6% true shooting percentage, Wemby is redefining what a big man can do.

The 20-year-old has shown a rare combination of skill, athleticism, and defensive dominance. More importantly, he’s embraced the Spurs’ culture, displaying a work ethic and humility reminiscent of Tim Duncan.

For the Spurs, Wembanyama isn’t just their future—he’s their identity. He’s the player they’ll build around for the next two decades. Barring an absolutely unprecedented turn of events, San Antonio will never trade him.

The Reality of "Untouchable" Players

Just two years ago, Giannis Antetokounmpo would have been on this list. But as we’ve seen with Dončić and Davis, no player is completely safe.

Being a true untouchable in the NBA requires more than just talent. It takes a combination of individual brilliance, team success, marketability, and franchise stability. A front office’s vision also plays a crucial role—after all, even Michael Jordan was forced out of Chicago when ownership decided it was time for a new era.

For now, these five players remain the closest thing to untradeable. But if the past has taught us anything, it’s that in the NBA, nothing lasts forever.