Guerschon Yabusele , Knicks
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Guerschon Yabusele of the New York Knicks is on the trade block.
As the New York Knicks ramp up their activity ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, one name quietly gaining traction in league circles is New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi.
According to HoopsHype’s NBA insider Michael Scotto, the Knicks have made exploratory calls on Missi while simultaneously exploring trade scenarios involving French forward Guerschon Yabusele — a signal that New York’s deadline focus may be shifting toward frontcourt reinforcements.
NBA Insider: Knicks Have Called on Yves Missi
Speaking Thursday on SNY’s The Putback, Scotto revealed that New York’s interest in New Orleans extends beyond well-known guard targets.
“One thing that’s interesting — and I’ll share this before I share it anywhere else — is I did hear the Knicks were calling not only on Jose Alvarado, but also center Yves Missi,” Scotto said. “Part of it could be background due diligence, but you don’t make calls on these guys unless there’s some level of interest.”
Scotto added that Yabusele could be a key piece in making the money work.
“If you take Yabusele and another minimum guy, you can maybe try to make something happen there,” he said. “Yves Missi is a guy the Pelicans have gauged the market on as well.”
Yves Missi’s Role Shrinks Amid Pelicans Transition
Yves Missi, Jaren Jackson Jr. Knicks
GettyYves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans goes to the basket against Jaren Jackson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies. Missi is drawing trade interest from the New York Knicks.
Missi, the No. 24 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has seen his role fluctuate amid organizational changes in New Orleans.
The Pelicans transitioned from Willie Green to interim head coach James Borrego this season, marking the first year of Joe Dumars’ tenure overseeing basketball operations. As roles shifted, Missi’s minutes followed suit.
After earning All-Rookie Second Team honors last season, Missi averaged 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 26.8 minutes per game. This year, his production has dipped to 5.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 18.8 minutes, largely due to reduced playing time rather than diminished effectiveness.
Scotto also reported that several teams in need of young, cost-controlled centers are monitoring Missi’s availability.
Knicks Seeking Frontcourt Depth Behind Towns, Robinson
The Knicks’ interest in Missi aligns with broader reporting around their deadline priorities.
NBA insider Jake Fischer recently reported that New York’s internal discussions extend well beyond ball-handling help.
“Chatter about the Knicks’ interest in veteran guard help has been prevalent since the offseason,” Fischer wrote in The Stein Line, “but I also keep hearing that they have been exploring their options to bolster frontcourt depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson as well.”
Missi’s profile — athletic, rim-protecting, and still on a rookie-scale contract — fits neatly into that need.
Yabusele Emerges as Knicks’ Primary Trade Chip
Yabusele, signed using the taxpayer mid-level exception following his resurgence with Philadelphia, has struggled to carve out a consistent role in New York.
ESPN front-office insider Bobby Marks recently identified Yabusele as the Knicks’ most logical trade candidate.
“Yabusele has struggled to find a role with New York this season after averaging a career-high 27.1 minutes and 11 points per game with Philadelphia last season,” Marks wrote last week. “Instead, he has been a DNP in three games and has played fewer than 15 minutes in his other 27 appearances.”
Marks also noted that New York sits just $148,000 below the league’s second apron, meaning a Yabusele trade could unlock crucial flexibility.
Trading him would allow the Knicks to add two players while staying under the second apron — a key advantage under the new CBA.
Clarkson Also Expected to Be Shopped
Yabusele is not the only Knick whose name has surfaced in trade discussions.
According to New York Daily News’ Kristian Winfield, Jordan Clarkson is also expected to be shopped.
“[Guerschon] Yabusele and Clarkson are among the names the Knicks are expected to shop as they look to bolster their roster ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA Trade Deadline,” Winfield reported.
Both players saw only garbage-time minutes during New York’s historic 120–66 rout of the Brooklyn Nets, the largest margin of victory in franchise history, which snapped a four-game losing streak.
As the Knicks balance roster fit, financial constraints, and postseason aspirations, Missi represents the type of under-the-radar target that aligns with their needs — young, affordable, and capable of contributing immediately in a defined role.