The Oklahoma City Thunder might be sitting atop the NBA standings at 38-11, but not everything has been smooth sailing lately. Over their last 25 games, they’ve gone just 15-10 - still solid, but a noticeable dip for a team with championship aspirations. And with the trade deadline looming on February 5, there’s growing chatter that OKC could be looking to make a move, particularly in the frontcourt.
According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the Thunder have surfaced in recent trade discussions, specifically as a team that might be eyeing help at the center position. That tracks with what we’ve seen on the court - injuries have once again taken a toll on their frontcourt rotation, and depth at the five has become a real concern.
Enter Yves Missi.
If the Thunder are indeed exploring options to shore up their big man depth, Missi is a name that makes a lot of sense. He’s not a blockbuster acquisition - and let’s be honest, that’s not really OKC’s style anyway.
This is a franchise that’s built patiently, stockpiled assets, and stayed away from headline-chasing trades. So, while fans can probably rule out a move for someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo, a more targeted, lower-profile addition like Missi fits the Thunder’s MO.
Missi might not be a household name, but he brings real value - both on the floor and on the books.
At 6-foot-11 and 235 pounds, he’s got the kind of physical presence that can make life difficult for opposing offenses. He sets hard screens, protects the rim, and crashes the glass with purpose.
In just his second year, he’s already earned All-Rookie Second Team honors, and his numbers tell the story: 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. When you stretch those out to per-100 possessions, you’re looking at 14.4 points, 14.4 rebounds (including a hefty 7.6 offensive boards), and 3.4 blocks.
That’s the kind of production that can swing bench minutes - or even give a starting unit a different look.
And then there’s the contract. Missi’s still on his rookie-scale deal, which runs through the 2027-28 season and takes up less than 3 percent of the league’s tax threshold.
For a team like OKC, which is projected to flirt with the second tax apron this offseason, that’s a big deal. Keeping flexibility while adding a young, cost-controlled contributor is exactly the kind of move that helps sustain a contender.
It’s also worth noting that the Thunder may have to make some tough decisions this summer - including potentially parting ways with Isaiah Hartenstein, a fan favorite who’s been a key piece of their frontcourt. Bringing in someone like Missi now could serve as both an insurance policy and a long-term investment.
New Orleans reportedly wants a first-round pick in return, which could be a sticking point. But OKC has the draft capital to make it work if they believe Missi fits their vision.
So while the Thunder don’t need to panic - they’re still very much in the title mix - a move like this could quietly strengthen their rotation and set them up for both a deep playoff run and continued success down the road. Keep an eye on this one.