As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, front offices around the league are mapping out scenarios, weighing assets, and eyeing potential upgrades. But not every player can be part of those conversations. Thanks to a set of specific rules baked into the league’s collective bargaining agreement, a handful of players are completely off the board - not just unlikely to be moved, but flat-out ineligible to be traded this season.
There are three key reasons a player might fall into this category: they signed a contract too recently, they extended their deal under specific conditions, or they locked in a super-max contract. Let’s break down exactly who’s untouchable this season - and why.
Group 1: Recently Signed Standard Contracts (Post-November 5)
Seth Curry (Warriors)
Garrison Mathews (Pacers)
The first group includes players who signed standard NBA contracts after November 5. Under league rules, these players can’t be traded for at least three months after signing - which pushes their trade eligibility past the February 5 deadline.
Seth Curry rejoined the Warriors on December 1, giving Golden State a veteran shooter with playoff pedigree. But because of the timing, Curry can’t be moved until March 1 - long after the trade window closes. So if the Warriors were hoping to use his contract in a deal, that option’s off the table.
Over in Indiana, Garrison Mathews finds himself in a similar spot. The Pacers have been shuffling the 15th roster spot, previously cycling through Monte Morris and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl before ultimately signing Mathews to a standard deal. That move locked him in as the current 15th man - and locked him out of any trade possibilities this season.
This list could grow if more free agents sign standard contracts between now and the deadline, but as of now, Curry and Mathews are the only players in this category.
Group 2: Veteran Extensions with Trade Restrictions
Toumani Camara (Trail Blazers)
**A.J.
Green (Bucks)**
Aaron Nesmith (Pacers)
P.J. Washington (Mavericks)
The second group is made up of players who signed veteran contract extensions since August 5 - but not just any extension. These deals meet certain criteria that trigger a six-month trade restriction. That includes extensions that:
- Add more than four total years (including the current contract),
- Feature a first-year salary jump of over 20%,
- Include annual raises above 5%, or
- Involve a renegotiation of existing terms.
Because of those clauses, these players can’t be traded until six months after signing - which, for each of them, means sometime after the 2025-26 regular season ends.
Toumani Camara, a young piece in Portland’s rebuild, was never a likely trade chip. But for the others - A.J.
Green, Aaron Nesmith, and P.J. Washington - the story’s a little different.
All three play for teams that have struggled to find consistent footing this season. In a normal year, they might have popped up in trade rumors as midseason shake-up candidates.
But their recent extensions take that option off the board.
With the deadline still weeks away, more players could join this group if they ink similar extensions before February. For now, though, these four are locked in for the season.
Group 3: Super-Max Contracts
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
This final category is reserved for the league’s elite - players who’ve signed a designated veteran extension, better known as a super-max. These contracts come with a full one-year trade restriction.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP and centerpiece of a surging Thunder squad, signed his super-max on July 7, 2025. That locks him into Oklahoma City through at least July 7, 2026 - not that the Thunder have any intention of moving him.
It’s worth noting that no other players will be added to this list before the deadline. Super-max deals can’t be signed during the season, so SGA stands alone here for now.
What This Means for the Trade Market
While the list of ineligible players isn’t massive, it does matter - especially for teams looking to get creative at the deadline. A veteran shooter like Curry or a promising wing like Nesmith might have drawn interest under different circumstances. But with the calendar and contract rules working against them, they’re staying put.
As we get closer to February 5, it’s important to keep these names in mind. They’re not part of the trade pool - not because of fit, performance, or team strategy, but because the rules simply won’t allow it. And in a league where every contract counts and every deadline move is scrutinized, those restrictions could subtly shape how the market unfolds.