Yes, player personality plays a big role in online leagues. Your example is a perfect one because AD was traded to the Lakers in season 2 of our league. The Pelicans realized they weren’t going to resign AD and decided to trade him to the Lakers for Ball, Ingram and picks. It was a trade that took days to complete as the rumors between the 2 teams as a match were gaining steam.
Online leagues are the same as offline franchises except that you are netogtiating with a real life person. Teams are in different stages and you hope both teams realize their stage correctly.