Why Trading Yves Missi Would Be a Step Backward for the Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly listening to trade offers for second-year center Yves Missi-and that’s a head-scratcher. According to recent reports, the front office is open to the idea of moving the 21-year-old big man.
On the surface, that might seem like standard trade season noise. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear: this is a move that could undercut the very foundation New Orleans has been trying to build.
Let’s start with what Missi brings to the table. This isn’t just a young player still finding his footing-Missi was named to the 2024-25 Kia NBA All-Rookie Second Team and became the first Pelican since Zion Williamson in 2020 to win Western Conference Rookie of the Month. That’s not just a nod to his potential; it’s recognition of the impact he’s already making.
Missi’s Impact Goes Beyond the Numbers
This season, Missi is averaging 5.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in just under 19 minutes per game. Modest numbers, sure.
But the box score doesn’t capture what he means to this team defensively. He’s New Orleans’ most dependable rim protector and the anchor of their interior defense.
When he’s on the floor, the Pelicans hold their own. When he’s off, things get shaky-fast.
Missi’s presence in the paint gives the Pelicans a defensive identity they’ve long lacked. He’s not just swatting shots; he’s altering them, deterring drives, and forcing opponents to think twice before attacking the rim. That kind of defensive gravity isn’t easy to find-especially in a player this young, this early in his career.
A Fit That Makes Sense-Now and Later
Last season, Missi started 67 of the 73 games he played, averaging 9.1 points and 8.2 rebounds. That’s not just production-it’s consistency.
And in a league where young bigs often take years to develop, he’s already ahead of schedule. More importantly, he fits the Pelicans’ timeline.
This is a team still trying to turn a talented roster into a cohesive, playoff-caliber unit. Missi is the kind of player you build with, not one you ship out.
Some might point to rookie Derik Queen as a reason Missi could be expendable. Queen has been solid, averaging 12.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 32 starts.
Offensively, he’s further along than most expected. But defensively, he’s not the same presence.
He’s not the same deterrent at the rim, and asking him to anchor the defense solo would be a tall order.
That’s why the smarter play isn’t choosing between Missi and Queen-it’s pairing them. Together, they could form a dynamic frontcourt duo: Queen handling more of the offensive load, Missi cleaning up on the defensive end. It’s a pairing that could give the Pelicans balance, versatility, and a long-term foundation.
If New Orleans Wants Flexibility, There Are Other Moves
If the Pelicans are looking to create cap flexibility or recoup draft assets-they don’t hold a 2026 first-round pick, after all-there are other paths to explore. Veterans like Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, or Herb Jones could command significant value on the market. Those are players who could bring back first-round picks and open up new options without sacrificing the team’s defensive core.
Missi, on the other hand, is the kind of player you want to keep in-house. Trading him now would be a short-term move with long-term consequences. It would strip the team of its best defensive big man and send a confusing message about the direction of the franchise.
The Bottom Line
The Pelicans have a chance to build something sustainable. They’ve got talent, youth, and a few key pieces that can grow together.
Yves Missi is one of those pieces. He’s not just a project-he’s already contributing, and his ceiling is still rising.
Moving him now? That would be a misstep.
A big one. If New Orleans is serious about building a team that can compete in the West for years to come, keeping Missi should be a priority-not a question.