Yves Missi might not be the biggest name on the trade market right now, but don’t let that fool you-he’s drawing plenty of attention as the NBA trade deadline approaches. The 7-footer out of Baylor, now in his second year with the New Orleans Pelicans, has become a name to watch for several teams looking to bolster their frontcourt depth.
According to league sources, Missi has attracted interest from a wide range of teams, including the Pacers, Hawks, Celtics, Knicks, Bulls, Lakers, and Raptors. That’s not a coincidence. Despite a dip in production this season, Missi’s athletic profile and defensive upside still have front offices intrigued.
Missi was the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he wasted no time making an impact in his rookie campaign. He averaged 9.1 points and 8.2 rebounds across 73 games-numbers that don’t just pop off the page, but also hinted at a high ceiling for a young big man still learning the pro game. He brought energy, rim protection, and a growing offensive game to a Pelicans team that was in flux even then.
But a lot has changed in New Orleans since Missi was drafted. The front office underwent a shakeup with Joe Dumars stepping in as President of Basketball Operations last April.
And coaching stability has been anything but constant-the Pelicans parted ways with Willie Green just 12 games into this season. That kind of turnover often leads to roster reshuffling, and Missi’s role has taken a hit because of it.
The addition of rookie center Derik Queen in last year’s draft has also complicated the rotation. Queen has carved out a bigger role, leaving Missi with fewer minutes and fewer touches.
As a result, his production has dipped-he’s averaging 5.8 points and 5.8 boards in just over 19 minutes per game this season. Not exactly eye-popping, but context matters here.
Missi hasn’t suddenly become a different player; he’s just been caught in a numbers game.
Despite the reduced role, the Pelicans aren’t looking to give Missi away. According to reports, they’re holding firm on a high asking price, reportedly seeking a first-round pick in return.
That tells you everything you need to know about how they still view his potential. He’s on a team-friendly $3.3 million contract this season, and he’s locked in through the 2027-28 campaign.
That kind of cost-controlled upside is gold in today’s cap-conscious NBA.
Missi’s appeal lies in what he brings to the table as a modern big: vertical spacing, rim protection, and the kind of mobility that allows him to switch defensively in spurts. He’s not a finished product, but he doesn’t have to be. For a team in need of a rim-running, shot-blocking presence off the bench-or even a long-term developmental piece-Missi checks a lot of boxes.
With the deadline looming, don’t be surprised if one of those interested teams decides to make a move. Missi may not be the headline deal, but he could end up being one of the more impactful under-the-radar pickups of the season.