NBA Trade Deadline Approaches: Bulls Eye Yves Missi, But Vucevic's Future Remains Cloudy
We’re officially two weeks out from the NBA trade deadline, and while the calendar says it’s go-time, the rumor mill hasn’t exactly kicked into high gear. Outside of the surprise deal that sent Trae Young to Washington, it’s been eerily quiet. That’s not to say teams aren’t talking behind closed doors-but so far, the fireworks have yet to launch.
Big Names, Small Buzz
There’s been some chatter around a few marquee names-Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Porter Jr., Ja Morant, and LaMelo Ball-but none of those feel like they’re on the verge of a move. Whether it’s teams holding tight to their stars (as with Giannis and Porter Jr.) or a lack of serious interest from potential buyers (as may be the case with Morant and Ball), this year’s deadline is shaping up to be more fizzle than bang.
But this is the NBA. If history has taught us anything, it’s that the league never stays quiet for long.
Just ask Mavericks fans, who watched Luka Dončić get moved in a blockbuster deal last season. Surprises are always lurking, and front offices know how quickly the landscape can shift.
Chicago’s Trade Chips and the Missi Connection
Enter the Chicago Bulls-an organization that’s been stuck in neutral for a few seasons now. They’ve got several players who could be on the move before February 5: Ayo Dosunmu, Tre Jones, Nikola Vucevic, and Coby White.
Three of those four are on expiring deals, which makes them natural trade candidates. Jones is the exception, signed through next season at a manageable $8 million salary-still attractive to teams looking for a steady backup guard.
But let’s be honest: expecting the Bulls to make a bold move is a tough sell. This is a team that’s made a habit of standing pat, even as the losses pile up. While other franchises pivot, Chicago often stays the course-sometimes to its own detriment.
That said, there may be a glimmer of forward-thinking in the front office. According to a recent report, the Bulls have expressed interest in New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi. And that’s a name worth paying attention to.
Why Missi Makes Sense for Chicago
Missi, just 21 years old and in his second NBA season, showed real promise as a rookie. He earned All-Rookie Second Team honors, putting up 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. This season, his numbers have dipped-down to 5.5 points and 5.5 boards in under 19 minutes a night-but that’s more a reflection of the Pelicans’ changing direction than any regression on his part.
New Orleans brought in Joe Dumars to run basketball operations ahead of the 2025-26 season, and Dumars wasted no time reshaping the roster. He moved up in the draft to select Derik Queen, a fellow frontcourt player, and with Zion Williamson still a focal point, Missi has been pushed into a lesser role.
That’s where Chicago comes in. Missi is the kind of athletic, rim-running, shot-blocking big the Bulls could use.
He’s already logged 144 dunks and 148 blocks in just 111 career games. And when he’s on the floor, the Pelicans are a full 5.6 points per 100 possessions better on defense.
That’s no small impact.
Even better, Missi fits Chicago’s timeline. He’s the same age as rookie Matas Buzelis and two years younger than Josh Giddey.
Unlike a draft pick, Missi brings proven NBA production-making him a rare blend of youth and experience. For a team trying to straddle the line between rebuilding and competing, that’s gold.
The Vucevic Dilemma
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Nikola Vucevic. The veteran center is still putting in solid minutes, and with Jalen Smith playing well and Zach Collins also in the mix, the Bulls aren’t desperate at the five.
But Vucevic is 35 and on an expiring deal. The writing’s on the wall-he’s not part of Chicago’s long-term plans.
So why not move him now?
Here’s where things get murky. While logic says Vucevic should be on the trade block, reports suggest the Bulls are unlikely to deal him before the deadline.
That’s puzzling. Even if the return is modest-say, a future second-round pick-Chicago risks losing him for nothing if they hold on and he walks in free agency.
There’s also the possibility that Vucevic could draw interest this summer. According to league sources, he’s expected to garner attention as a veteran big man willing to take on a complementary role-similar to how Al Horford was viewed during last year’s free agency. That might explain why teams are hesitant to trade for him now; they’d rather wait and avoid giving up assets.
Still, the Bulls have an opportunity here. Missi is available.
Vucevic is on the way out. The math isn’t complicated.
If Chicago wants to get younger, more athletic, and more aligned with its future core, now’s the time to act.
Final Thoughts
The Bulls have a chance to make a smart, forward-looking move by targeting Yves Missi. He checks all the boxes: age, skill set, upside, and fit. But if they let this opportunity pass while holding onto a veteran on an expiring deal, it’ll feel like another case of standing still while the rest of the league moves forward.
The deadline clock is ticking. Let’s see if the Bulls decide to make some noise-or stay silent once again.