NBA Swing: Could the “Most Overrated” Player be Traded this Offseason?

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Earlier this week, The Athletic would release their annual anonymous player poll results from the NBA. Multiple questions would be asked in the poll, including the most underrated player, the most and least impressive coach, and the best defensive player. One question, however, would have everyone talking: the most overrated player. 81 votes would be cast, and the top vote getter would be Houston Rockets forward Alperen Sengun. Other notable vote getters would include Rudy Gobert, Trae Young, Ja Morant, Karl Anthony-Towns, Paolo Banchero, Luka Doncic, Tyrese Haliburton, and even LeBron James.

Sengun would have a solid season that saw him land his second All-Star nod, averaging 20.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 6.2 APG on shooting splits of 51% from the field and 30% from three. In six playoff games, Segun would average 20.3 PPG, 10.2 RPG, and 4.7 APG on a less efficient 46% from the field and 12% from three. With the absence of Kevin Durant for all except Game 2 of the Rockets series against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sengun was the number one option for the team. While some of the Sengun’s play can be blamed on Kevin Durant’s absence, he was exposed as a defensive liability in the playoff series.

In the Rockets’ first-round series against the Lakers, Sengun would have four games with under 20 points and struggled to be a playmaker for much of the series, especially while the team was in desperate need of a playmaker. These moments would go back to some of Sengun’s struggles throughout the season, mainly moments of inconsistency and frustration on the court.

For Houston, there are questions and rumors surrounding the team’s immediate future, with the biggest question of all being who will be suiting up for the Rockets at the start of the 2026-27 NBA season. While many believe that Kevin Durant will be the player most likely to be off the team next season, given the burner scandal and potentially giving up on the team in the playoffs, rumors suggest Sengun is more likely to be on the move.

Rumblings have suggested that Sengun could be used as a big piece in a trade for another superstar to pair next to Kevin Durant, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kawhi Leonard. Hearing these rumors would draw out Sengun to respond:

“I cannot do anything about those conversations,” Sengun would say. “It is what it is. Wherever I go… or if I stay here, I’m just going to stay with it. I’m going to do what I’m doing. Same goals. Same everything.

In the second year of a five-year, $185 million deal, Sengun is still owed $152 million over the next four years before becoming a free agent in the summer of 2030. Sengun has shown potential as a star player in the league through his two All-Star appearances and a strong 2024-25 season, but with the current iteration of the Rockets being very top-heavy, he is not the best fit with the team.

If the Houston Rockets shift their focus to Kevin Durant and maximizing their championship window, there is no doubt Sengun will be used as a trade piece to pair another star alongside Durant. Having already made the win-now move to acquire Durant last summer by trading Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix, Houston could make another win-now move with several superstars across the league having unknown futures.

For Sengun, a new home may be what’s best for him to reach his potential. A place with lower expectations that will allow Sengun to grow without the pressure he currently has playing in Houston. Given the current iteration of the Rockets, it’s likely Sengun has reached his ceiling in Houston.