Murphy keeps getting better, even if his body won't always cooperate. He has increased his points and assists per game in each of his first five seasons, and in 2025-26, he delivered career highs nearly across the board with 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals over 66 regular-season games. He also posted elite shooting splits of 47/38/89 while attempting at least 15 shots, including eight threes, per game for a second straight season. That's a nearly flawless category-league profile, and Murphy did it while carrying heavy usage on a team that struggled to stay healthy and stack wins. Unfortunately, the pattern of late-season injuries continued, as an ankle issue sidelined him for the final stretch of games, marking a third straight year in which his season ended early or was interrupted by a significant absence. The situation around him remains unsettled. The Pelicans went 26-56 last season and hired a new coach, Jamahl Mosley, this offseason. Murphy is nominally part of the Pelicans' win-now core alongside Zion Williamson and Dejounte Murray, but Murphy has been a fixture in trade speculation, which will only intensify if New Orleans stumbles again. Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen represent the future in New Orleans, but they still have plenty of room to grow after up-and-down rookie seasons. On a roster short on reliable shot creation, Murphy should see all the usage he can handle, and a change of scenery to a functional offense could just as easily boost his efficiency as dent his volume. Murphy has consistently been a top-40 fantasy asset when on the court, so treat him as an excellent fourth-round pick in most formats, though managers may have to reach given his potential upside.