New Orleans Pelicans fans saw Yves Missi’s name attached to trade rumors this week, but most people in New Orleans immediately focused on the team calling, not the player mentioned. If the Chicago Bulls are truly interested in Zion Williamson, this could finally be the moment where the Pelicans turn years of frustration into real leverage.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls and Pelicans have discussed the framework of a trade involving “players such as forward Zion Williamson and center Yves Missi.” That does not mean a deal is done, but it does mean Chicago is exploring something big, and New Orleans is listening.
That matters because the Pelicans are 10–35 and running out of explanations. This roster was built to compete, yet it has never found stability. At some point, the conversation has to shift from potential to direction. The Bulls’ interest gives New Orleans a rare chance to do that on its own terms.
Chicago Bulls could offer the Pelicans leverage
Chicago’s track record is what makes this intriguing. The Bulls have shown they are willing to sacrifice future assets for a shot at relevance. The Nikola Vucevic trade alone cost them two first-round picks that turned into Franz Wagner and Jett Howard.
The Bulls also made the mistake with the Zach LaVine contract, which quickly became difficult to move once the team stalled. If Chicago sees Zion as a shortcut back into the conversation, the Pelicans should be ready to take advantage.
Zion’s timing also works in New Orleans’ favor. For once, he is both healthy and productive. He has played 19 straight games, which is his longest stretch since the 2022–23 season. This season, he has averaged 22.5 points and nearly six assists per night. When he is on the floor, he still looks like one of the league’s most difficult players to stop. That combination makes this a sell-high moment the Pelicans have not really had before.
From a roster standpoint, a Zion trade would also bring clarity. The organization appears ready to build around Derik Queen, who projects best at power forward. Zion occupies that same offensive space, and Queen is not ready to anchor the paint alone at center. Keeping both only slows development and delays hard decisions.
That is why Missi should not be the focus of these talks. He fits the timeline, provides real defensive value, and complements Queen rather than overlapping with him. Zion is the piece that actually allows the Pelicans to reset the roster and move forward with purpose.
For Pelicans fans, this rumor is not about giving up on talent. It is about finally recognizing the moment. If the Bulls are willing to gamble big, New Orleans needs to make sure it is the team cashing in.