Five Offseason Moves Fantasy Managers Still Can't Fully Explain

Sometimes, offseason questions just can’t be answered right away.

Even after blockbuster trades and headline-grabbing signings, there are storylines that remain genuinely unresolved. For fans and general basketball viewers, it’s okay for those questions to remain mysteries until the 2026-27 season tips off. But for fantasy basketball managers, it’s becomes difficult to get a draft board together.

Here are five unresolved situations created this NBA offseason, and the risks they pose for owners trying to lock in their 2026-27 fantasy draft schemes.

Alperen Sengun’s Trade Availability in Houston

The Rockets roster is packed, but not with the right ingredients to avoid a first-round playoff exit. That’s why Houston made Sengun, who has grown to be a cornerstone for the team, available in trade talks this offseason.

But now July is coming to a close without a trade in sight, and that makes it difficult to gauge what Sengun’s usage will be for next season. If he stays in a crowded, Kevin Durant-led Rockets frontcourt, his usage will likely stay around 25%. If he goes to a rebuilding team that needs his two-way abilities, he could get more touches. Sengun’s overall stats should stay high, but the uncertainty over his destination makes his usage a mystery.

Trey Murphy III’s Trade Availability in New Orleans

Murphy has had no shortage of suitors this offseason. As of late July, trade rumors involving the fifth-year forward are ongoing. The problem here is that the Pelicans are asking for three first-round draft picks in exchange, and now multiple teams have fallen out of the Murphy sweepstakes.

Murphy’s outlook hinges heavily on where he plays next season. His baseline production is strong (21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.9 stocks.) But he could be even more productive on a contending team in need of a two-way wing. Plus, Murphy’s usage will be capped if he keeps playing alongside Zion Williamson.

The Dejounte Murray-Jordan Poole Puzzle in New Orleans

Okay, so there are a lot of unanswered questions down in the Big Easy. And a lot of that has to do with the backcourt.

Murray has been mentioned in trade talks, but nothing has materialized. Poole hasn’t been part of active trade rumors, but it’s well known the Pelicans would include him in a trade package after a disappointing season and questions regarding his fit on the team. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Fears is looking to move up the depth chart in his second NBA season after playing all 82 games in 2025-26 but starting just 49.

Long story short, every member of New Orleans’ backcourt has an uncertain fantasy outlook for 2026-27 because Murray and Poole’s destinations aren’t decided.

Ja Morant’s Fit in a Crowded Portland Backcourt

We’ve talked about this one a lot this summer. Morant has a chance at a rebound season, but how he fits in the Trail Blazers’ logjammed backcourt remains a mystery.

The rotation is congested with Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe all in the mix. There’s an added layer of uncertainty since Lillard is expected to be the backcourt anchor, but missed the entire 2025-26 season with a torn Achilles tendon and hasn’t yet been medically cleared to play. There are also Morant’s own ailments, plus how he will mesh with his new teammates after a bizarre end to his time in Memphis.

Athlon has previously said Morant’s fantasy outlook is uncertain at this point in the offseason. But, honestly, Portland’s entire backcourt is hard to figure into 2026-27 fantasy draft schemes because of so much uncertainty.

LeBron James’ Fit in a Crowded Philadelphia Rotation

We previously believed James’ fantasy outlook would come into focus once he landed with a new team. And then, he went to Philadelphia. And boy, is that 76ers’ rotation a pack of sardines.

Joel Embiid is the usage rate king around those parts, and newly-acquired Jaylen Brown is going to get plenty of touches. (Brown had the third-highest usage rate in the league last season.) And that’s before you get to Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe in the backcourt.

All of that, along with the expected load management days, suggests that James’ scoring volume and usage will dip to accommodate the rest of the rotation. But until the regular season starts, fantasy managers don’t have a clean-cut idea of what his fantasy contributions will be.

Questions About Unresolved Offseason Situations, Answered

Which 2026-27 offseason situations are still genuinely unresolved?
Alperen Sengun’s usage remains uncertain amid Houston trade talks, Trey Murphy III’s destination is unresolved, and New Orleans has questions surrounding Dejounte Murray and Jordan Poole. Ja Morant’s role in Portland’s crowded backcourt and LeBron James’ fantasy contributions within Philadelphia’s crowded rotation also remain unclear.

Has Ja Morant’s trade actually been completed?
Morant is now in Portland, where his fit in a crowded Trail Blazers backcourt remains a mystery. Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, and Shaedon Sharpe are also in the rotation, creating uncertainty about Morant’s role and fantasy outlook.

Are Alperen Sengun and Trey Murphy III likely to be traded?
Both players remain involved in unresolved trade situations. Houston made Sengun available in trade talks, but July is closing without a deal. Trade rumors involving Murphy are ongoing, although New Orleans is asking for three first-round picks and multiple teams have fallen out of the sweepstakes.