5 Untraded NBA players that need to be rescued

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 08: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles up the ball against O.G. Anunoby #3 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 8, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /

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The NBA trade deadline is often looked at as a way for a franchise to save hopes, propel championship dreams or work towards securing their futures. From a player’s perspective, those priorities are often also their own. With that in mind, there are a few players who could use a summer rescue after not being moved last Thursday.

Not every player has the cache or baggage to have a trade request granted or the ability to hit the buyout market. Others refuse to even, out of loyalty that most organizations would never show them in return.

However, an argument can be made for saving players from themselves and, in some instances, plucking them out of stagnant situations.

A player like Russell Westbrook would have been an ideal candidate for this list. Or Myles Turner until he signed a two-year extension with the Indiana Pacers after seasons of trade rumors and pitching himself to the Los Angeles Lakers. How about Deandre Ayton, who was seemingly in team turmoil before the Phoenix Suns acquired Kevin Durant?

Nevertheless, with them out of the equation and the trade deadline in the rearview, let us focus on a few players who still need out.