Yves Missi, Warriors
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Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans is likely to be moved and the Golden State Warriors are interested.
The Golden State Warriors’ search for a frontcourt upgrade may have found a new and increasingly realistic pathway as league insiders report growing tension between the New Orleans Pelicans and one of their young big men.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, second-year center Yves Missi has become one of the most likely players to be moved ahead of this year’s trade deadline as his role diminishes under new organizational leadership.
“As for Missi, the recent All-Rookie center has taken a backseat to rookie big man Derik Queen in New Orleans,” Siegel wrote. “The 21-year-old big man and his camp feel disrespected by the Pelicans for his major decrease in minutes, and tension has formed between the two sides.”
Siegel added that New Orleans is fielding “a ton of interest” in Missi, making him one of the more active names on the market as Feb. 5 approaches.
Warriors Among Teams Expressing Interest in Yves Missi
The Warriors are among the teams that have already checked in.
According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, Golden State has joined a growing list of franchises that have registered interest in Missi as the Pelicans open the door to discussions.
“Yves Missi is generating significant interest on the trade market once the Pelicans were open to fielding offers,” Sidery reported on X. “The Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, Pacers, Raptors, and Warriors are among the teams who recently inquired about Missi.”
NBA insider Marc Stein further reported Monday that New Orleans has been “on the active side” in fielding offers as interest in Missi continues to build.
Role Shift Under New Pelicans Regime Fuels Tension
Missi’s uncertain standing comes during a transitional year for the Pelicans.
The organization moved on from head coach Willie Green earlier this season, installing James Borrego as interim coach while Joe Dumars took over basketball operations. As roles shifted across the roster, Missi’s usage followed suit.
Selected No. 24 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, Missi earned All-Rookie Second Team honors last season after averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 26.8 minutes per game. This season, his playing time has dipped sharply to 19.1 minutes, with averages of 5.7 points and 5.8 rebounds — a decline attributed more to opportunity than effectiveness.
Recent Performance Highlights Missi’s Upside
Despite the reduced role, Missi has flashed his ability when called upon.
He recorded his third double-double of the season in Sunday’s 104–95 win over the San Antonio Spurs, finishing with 10 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal in 30 minutes.
While he shot just 4-of-11 from the field, the performance underscored his impact beyond scoring. It marked only the sixth time he reached double figures this season, but it served as a reminder of his productivity when entrusted with extended minutes.
Even with limited usage, Missi continues to thrive in one critical area.
He is averaging 3.1 offensive rebounds per game, tied for 13th in the NBA — an area of glaring need for Golden State.
Why Missi Fits Warriors’ Frontcourt Needs
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GettyKarl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks drives to the net against Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Warriors rank near the bottom of the league in rebounding, a deficiency that has persisted throughout the season.
Missi’s length, motor, and activity on the glass would address those issues immediately without altering the team’s offensive hierarchy. He profiles as a rim-runner, screen-setter, and second-chance creator — a complementary piece rather than a usage-heavy focal point.
For a Warriors team still reeling from the season-ending ACL injury of Jimmy Butler, Missi, while not a flashy name, could add value.
Cap-Friendly Contract Makes Missi Appealing
From a financial standpoint, Missi checks nearly every box for Golden State.
He remains on a four-year, $15.6 million rookie-scale deal, earning $3.3 million this season and roughly $3.5 million annually through 2026–27, with a $5.5 million team option for 2027–28.
That structure allows the Warriors to pursue a frontcourt upgrade without sacrificing prized draft capital or long-term flexibility — a critical consideration as the organization balances short-term competitiveness with future planning.