The New Orleans Pelicans may be considering a trade that does not add up. Toronto Raptors insider Michael Grange recently reported that New Orleans is listening to offers for second-year center Yves Missi.
While it is unclear which teams are truly interested, the fact the Pelicans are entertaining the idea raises serious questions. Missi is not just another young player, they are talking about a 21-year-old who was a 2024-25 Kia NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection. Missi also became the first Pelican to win Western Conference Rookie of the Month since Zion Williamson in February 2020.
Missi’s value goes beyond the box score
This season, he has been averaging 5.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in 18.6 minutes. Numbers only tell part of the story. Missi is the team’s most reliable rim protector and the anchor of their defense. When he is on the floor, the Pelicans are competitive defensively. When he is off, that stability disappears.
Trading him now would make little sense. Last season, Missi started 67 of his 73 games, averaging 9.1 points and 8.2 rebounds. He is still developing and fits perfectly into the Pelicans’ timeline. On a team that has struggled to turn a talented roster into consistent results, giving up its best defensive big man seems risky.
Some might argue Derik Queen, the rookie who has started 32 games this season, could replace him. Queen is productive, averaging 12.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, but he has defensive limitations.
Rather than moving Missi, the smarter approach would be pairing him with Queen. Together, they could form a frontline that balances offense and defense and gives New Orleans a chance to grow long-term.
There are other pieces the Pelicans could realistically move if they want to create flexibility. Zion Williamson, Jordan Poole, or Herb Jones could bring back first-round picks, something the team desperately needs since it does not hold a 2026 first-round pick. That kind of strategy makes sense.
Moving Missi now would signal a shortsighted approach and could slow the Pelicans’ growth rather than accelerate it. If the goal is to build a team that can compete over the next several seasons, Missi is a piece worth holding onto. Trading him would be a colossal mistake, and one the Pelicans might regret.