The New Orleans Pelicans may not be lighting up the standings this season, but that’s not stopping them from staying aggressive as the NBA trade deadline approaches. Despite a rocky campaign, the front office appears ready to explore moves that could reshape the roster-both for the stretch run and the long-term outlook.
According to league chatter, the Pelicans are drawing interest from teams around the league thanks to a deep pool of young talent and desirable assets. But when it comes to who they’d actually be willing to move, the list is shorter than you might think. Still, one name is starting to surface as a potential trade chip: rookie big man Yves Missi.
Missi, a promising young center, isn’t among the core group the Pelicans have reportedly deemed untouchable. And that’s where things get interesting-because New Orleans is said to have its sights set on Indiana Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin.
Mathurin is having a strong season, putting up a career-best 17.8 points per game over 24 appearances. He brings a scoring punch that could help the Pelicans add some offensive firepower to their rotation, especially as they look to build a more balanced roster around their stars.
Meanwhile, the Pacers are reportedly in the market for frontcourt help. With Myles Turner gone following his offseason departure, Indiana has a clear need at center-and Missi could be an ideal fit. He’s still on a rookie deal, which makes him a cost-effective option with upside, and his rim protection and athleticism would fill a void the Pacers have been trying to patch all season.
This potential swap-Missi for Mathurin-makes sense on paper. The Pelicans would get a dynamic scorer who’s just scratching the surface of his potential, while the Pacers would secure a young big man who could anchor their interior for years to come.
There’s also a bit of timing urgency in play: Mathurin is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason, which means any team acquiring him would need to be ready to pay up to keep him. Missi, on the other hand, is still a couple of years away from hitting that same stage.
Neither team is where they hoped to be in the standings this season. The Pacers, fresh off a Finals appearance last year, have struggled to recapture that momentum. And the Pelicans, while loaded with talent, haven’t quite found the consistency needed to climb the Western Conference ladder.
But this is the kind of trade deadline scenario that could benefit both sides. For New Orleans, it’s a chance to add a proven scorer who fits their timeline.
For Indiana, it’s an opportunity to address a glaring need with a young, controllable asset. And for fans?
It’s a reminder that even in a season full of ups and downs, the trade deadline can bring a whole new layer of intrigue.
Keep an eye on this one.