Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer Erik Horne believes the chances of Steven Adams being traded are "very small".
Adams' name has surfaced in the latest NBA trade rumours involving New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, according to The Ringer's Bill Simmons.
Anthony is a 10-time all-star and three-time Olympic gold-medallist, but has yet to win an NBA championship ring.
Speaking to Andrew Goudie and Jim Kayes on RadioLIVE's Sunday Sport, Horne said the Thunder might trade the 24-year old, but he doesn't see that happening as the team value Adams.
"Russell Westbrook is the only guy who is completely untouchable when it comes to a trade, but if there is a chance Steven Adams gets traded, it is very small," Horne said.
"He is a guy who the Thunder really value, they love his character and what he brings to the team.
"I don't think Steven Adams will be traded by the Thunder, but there is always a chance - but it is a small one."
If the Thunder did decide to trade away the seven-footer, Horne doesn't believe it will benefit the Thunder in any way due to Adams' presence on defence.
"If the Thunder were to trade a guy like Steven Adams they would lose something significant defensively. He is the defensive backbone of the team."
"If you see the numbers in terms of the points they allow when he is on or off the floor, it is pretty drastic in terms of how much defence he makes when he is at his best."
"It would be a big blow to the Thunder if they lost a guy like Steven Adams. You might gain a good scorer, or a really good player you would be losing lots defensively."
The Rotorua-born centre is currently one of the organisation's most valuable players, having signed a four-year, US$100 million (NZ$134.5m) last season.
The Thunder have made some moves during the offseason, most notably trading Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis for four-time all-star Paul George from the Indiana Pacers.
With the addition of the 27-year-old, Horne is confident the Thunder will have a great season.
"The feeling is they will get the two-seed in the West.
"That would keep them away from the Warriors for as long as possible in the playoffs - but the Warrior are still the class of the league.
"But they have a really good outfit to battle the Warriors in terms of guys who can defend them and score on them.
"I still think San Antonio will get the two-seed, so I think the Thunder and the Rockets will be battling for the third seed."
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