The New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and Toronto Raptors are among the NBA teams monitoring Pelicans center Yves Missi, according to Evan Sidery.
New Orleans is reportedly holding out for a future first-round pick in any potential trade involving the 21-year-old, but no offers have surpassed their expectations so far.
Missi is in the second year of a four-year, $15.6 million rookie contract with team option already exercised for the third season. This season, he is averaging 5.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists over 44 games, shooting 54.0 percent from the field while appearing mostly in a backup role.
The Pelicans sit last in the Western Conference at 13–39, creating pressure to evaluate younger assets while potentially leveraging Missi’s developing game for future draft capital.
New Orleans’ frontcourt rotation currently features Trey Murphy III, Zion Williamson, Saddiq Bey, and Derik Queen, all averaging significant minutes. Missi provides a complementary presence, but the Pelicans’ interest in maximizing long-term returns has fueled trade discussions.
