Fantasy Basketball 2026-27: Teams That Could Accidentally Create Fantasy Value This Summer
Splashes are expected this NBA offseason. Could one small splash turn into a wave of fantasy value?
While offseason trade moves are very intentional, several teams are actually on track to make moves that unintentionally create significant fantasy value. Free-agent moves and depth-chart shifts can lead to unexpected fantasy gains. And fantasy managers will want to know these potential accidents as they build their rosters ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Teams Most Likely to Accidentally Create Fantasy Value
New Orleans Pelicans
Sure, it appears that Zion Williamson isn't going anywhere. And sure, the Pelicans don't have a first-round draft pick this summer. But New Orleans' volatile front office is shopping Trey Murphy III and may even consider dealing Dejounte Murray, which would leave the door wide open in the backcourt.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are expensive, so this offseason will be about cost-cutting. Creating that breathing room could help them retain pending RFA forward Peyton Watson, which is a top priority for them this offseason. Denver's frontcourt is also getting long in the tooth, so roles could open up for other emerging stars as well.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland's pivot to a younger core is in full swing. They have four pending free agents, aging roster pieces worth trading, and a new owner ready to wheel and deal ahead of the 2026-27 season. A redistribution of minutes and usage is definitely on the horizon for this Western Conference squad.
Miami Heat
The Heat are considered a frontrunner to win the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes this summer. They also have to consider whether Andrew Wiggins will exercise his player option. Oh, and they have the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft. Changes are coming to the frontcourt, and Miami's bench has plenty of fantasy value ready to be unleashed.
Specific Players Who Stand to Benefit Most
Jeremiah Fears
Either Murphy or Murray leaving would give Fears a boost, and it would be well-deserved. The 19-year-old hybrid guard ended his rookie season on a tear, playing well over 30 minutes a night and scoring 36 or more points in each of his last three games of the season. Earning a larger role after a chaotic offseason would instantly boost Fears' fantasy ceiling.
DaRon Holmes II
Denver is exploring trades for Cameron Johnson, Zeke Nnaji, and Jonas Valančiūnas, which puts Holmes in line for a massive uptick in minutes. The multi-positional big man can score in the double digits, plus contribute rebounds, assists, and blocks. More minutes would go a long way toward boosting Holmes' value in category leagues.
Shaedon Sharpe
A move toward youth would likely be a move away from Jrue Holiday, which would move Sharpe up Portland's depth chart. The young wing averaged 20.8 points, 4.3 assists, and 1.4 steals last season, cementing himself as an offensive asset despite battling injuries throughout the season. The added minutes could help Sharpe be more consistent and have a breakout campaign.
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Miami's pursuit of Antetokounmpo unveils a win-win for Jaquez, who led the NBA last season with 15.4 points per game off the bench. If the big trade fails, Jaquez has a clear path to move up the depth chart. If he becomes part of the trade, his two-way capabilities could garner him heavy minutes in the Milwaukee Bucks frontcourt. Either way, his breakout potential could be unlocked.
Draft Strategy: Capitalizing on Accidental Value Creators
Value-crating accidents will emerge with the draft and the market opening, so fantasy managers across all formats need to be ready to adjust their 2026-27 draft boards accordingly.
Dynasty league managers can target these up-and-comers as soon as the depth chart shifts. Keep a close eye on draft night moves ahead of free agency, which can have a big impact on which teams accidentally unlock new fantasy value.
Meanwhile, owners in redraft leagues have to refrain from jumping the gun. Managers in this format need to keep a close eye on roster shifts through training camp to ensure these fantasy-creating scenarios come to fruition.
Questions About Accidental Fantasy Value, Answered
Which NBA teams are most likely to accidentally create fantasy value in 2026-27?
The teams highlighted are the New Orleans Pelicans, Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Miami Heat due to potential offseason moves, depth-chart shifts, and roster changes.
Which players could benefit most from their team's summer moves?
Jeremiah Fears, DaRon Holmes II, Shaedon Sharpe, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. are identified as players who could gain value from changing roles and increased opportunities.
How should I adjust my 2026-27 draft boards for these scenarios?
Managers should monitor draft-night activity, free agency, and training-camp developments, then adjust rankings as depth charts and roles become clearer.
Are these accidental value creators better in redraft or dynasty leagues?
The piece notes that dynasty managers can target these players as soon as depth-chart shifts occur, while redraft managers should wait for roles to become more established through training camp.
What types of moves typically create unintended fantasy value?
Free-agent signings, trades, draft decisions, and depth-chart changes can all create new opportunities that boost fantasy value.
When will these accidental value scenarios become clear?
Many of these situations will begin to develop around the NBA Draft and free agency, with additional clarity arriving during training camp.
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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 5:57 PM.