Trade Bait That Stayed Put and Why

GMs across the league had their eyes on a handful of big names right up to the buzzer, but these rumored prizes never budged from their dressing rooms. Front offices weighed cap crunches, no-trade clauses, and playoff pushes before pulling back, leaving agents and scouts scratching their heads. With the deadline dust settling, those decisions carry real weight as contenders gear up for the stretch run and sellers rethink their rebuilds.