The New York Knicks are in the market for frontcourt reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline, and one name on their radar is New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi. The 2024 first-round pick has drawn attention across the league, with at least seven teams reportedly expressing interest.
That alone makes the Knicks’ pursuit a tough task. But now, there’s another wrinkle that could make things even more complicated: the Oklahoma City Thunder might be entering the chat.
According to Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective Podcast, the Thunder have been mentioned in recent trade conversations and are “potentially looking at centers” to strengthen their rotation. That’s notable - not just because OKC is the reigning NBA champion, but because they’re sitting on a war chest of draft picks that stretches well into the next decade.
We're talking over 30 picks through the early 2030s. That’s an absurd amount of leverage.
If the Thunder decide they want a player like Missi, they can make it happen. Simple as that. The Knicks, on the other hand, are working with a more modest set of assets and would need to get creative to stay in the race.
Right now, the asking price for Missi is believed to be a future first-round pick. That’s a steep price for a sophomore big who’s still developing, and teams like New York are likely hoping that price tag drops to a couple of second-rounders as the February 5 deadline approaches. But if Oklahoma City gets involved, that discount dream could vanish in a hurry.
The Thunder don’t appear to be hunting for a blockbuster move - this isn’t about chasing a superstar. It’s more of a depth play, a move to round out a rotation that already has championship pedigree. But even a low-risk, low-cost acquisition becomes a high-stakes battle when you’re going up against a team with this kind of draft capital.
For the Knicks, the challenge is clear. They’re looking to bolster their frontcourt without mortgaging the future, but if the Thunder are eyeing the same type of player, the bidding war could escalate quickly - and not in New York’s favor.
It’s worth noting there’s been no confirmation that OKC is targeting Missi specifically. But given the buzz surrounding the Pelicans big man and the Thunder’s reported interest in adding size, it’s a situation that bears watching closely.
Bottom line: If the Knicks want Missi, they’ll need to act fast - and smart. Because if Oklahoma City decides to make a move, they’ve got the firepower to shut the door before the Knicks can even get a foot in.