The New York Knicks were determined to find a replacement in the middle after losing Mitchell Robinson, and according to Chris Haynes of NBA on Prime, they identified New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi as their top target.
Haynes reported that the Knicks “tried feverishly” to acquire Missi, making multiple trade offers to New Orleans. However, each proposal was rejected, with the Pelicans making it clear they have no interest in moving the promising young center.
The message from New Orleans was unequivocal: Missi is considered a vital part of the franchise’s long-term core and is not available.
The 6-foot-11 center impressed during his rookie campaign with his athleticism, rim protection, rebounding ability, and defensive versatility. Those same qualities made him an ideal fit for a Knicks team looking to replace Robinson’s interior presence while maintaining its defensive identity.
Missi’s team-friendly rookie contract also adds to his value in an era where roster flexibility is increasingly important under the NBA’s salary cap restrictions. For the Pelicans, moving a young, ascending center on a cost-controlled deal simply wasn’t an option.
For New York, the repeated rejections mean the front office will likely have to explore other avenues to strengthen its frontcourt before training camp. While the Knicks were aggressive in their pursuit of Missi, New Orleans appears committed to building around the young center rather than entertaining trade discussions.
As the offseason continues, it will be worth monitoring which direction the Knicks turn next after striking out on one of their top trade targets.
What This Means for the Knicks
The Knicks’ aggressive pursuit of Yves Missi underscores just how highly they valued the young center as a replacement for Mitchell Robinson. His combination of size, athleticism, rim protection, and rebounding would have fit seamlessly into Tom Thibodeau’s defensive system.
With the Pelicans firmly shutting the door on trade talks, New York will likely shift its attention to other options on the trade and free-agent markets. Whether the Knicks pursue another young big man or opt for a veteran presence, adding frontcourt depth remains one of the organization’s top priorities heading into training camp.
For New Orleans, the decision reinforces the franchise’s belief in Missi’s long-term potential. Despite receiving significant interest from around the league, the Pelicans have made it clear they view him as a foundational player rather than a trade asset.
As the offseason progresses, don’t expect teams to stop calling about Missi—but unless the Pelicans dramatically change course, he’ll remain in New Orleans as a key piece of the franchise’s future.
