New Orleans Pelicans Yves Missi v Chicago Bulls
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The Bulls may have found their long-term answer at center in Yves Missi and this low-cost trade idea could finally make it happen.
When it comes to the Chicago Bulls targeting a long-term answer at center, they may have already revealed their direction. Bleacher Report’s latest trade idea reinforces that vision. In a recent “Perfect 2026 Offseason Trade” piece, NBA writer Greg Swartz proposed Chicago acquire New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi for three second-round picks.
The idea aligns directly with Chicago’s actions at the trade deadline. After trading Nikola Vucevic to the Boston Celtics, the Bulls aggressively pursued a young replacement. They failed to meet New Orleans’ asking price. Now, with no proven centers under contract, adding Missi looks more like a necessity than a luxury.
Bulls’ Deadline Interest Signals Clear Direction
Reports in February made it clear that the Bulls had strong interest in Missi. His athletic upside and rookie contract make him a valuable asset for New Orleans. That combination also makes him difficult to move.
“Missi was another heavily discussed center this trade cycle, with the Chicago Bulls holding strong interest in him,” ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel reported. “Although Chicago attempted to trade for Missi on the day of the trade deadline… the Pelicans were not open to trading the young center unless they were to receive a first-round pick.”
That asking price became an immediate deal breaker. New Orleans prioritized recouping a first-round pick after trading theirs to the Atlanta Hawks in the deal that landed rookie Derik Queen. As a result, the Pelicans now lack a first-round pick in a loaded 2026 draft class.
Swartz’s proposal offers a middle ground. The Bulls avoid giving up a first-round pick while still providing value through three second-rounders. New Orleans could flip those picks for a role player or package them in a future deal. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder or Memphis Grizzlies could become potential partners due to their surplus of picks.
For Chicago, the structure prevents an overpay. It also secures a young center with upside and cost control. Those are critical elements for a team early in a rebuild.
Missi Fits the Timeline and Identity Shift
At 21 years old, Yves Missi fits the Bulls’ timeline perfectly. The 6-foot-11 center owns a 7-foot-2 wingspan and averages 1.4 blocks in just 18.8 minutes per game. He brings elite athleticism, length, and a high motor. More importantly, he fills a long-standing need as a defensive anchor.
Chicago has leaned toward offensive-minded bigs in recent years. That strategy created spacing but weakened the defense. Missi changes that identity. He protects the rim, rebounds at a high level, and impacts plays without needing touches.
His current role in New Orleans reflects roster changes, not regression. Missi averages 5.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in under 19 minutes after starting 67 games as a rookie. The emergence of Derik Queen and added frontcourt depth reduced his role. That shift suggests the Pelicans may move in a different direction.
For the Bulls, that opens a clear opportunity. Chicago doesn’t need a finished product, it needs a developing piece. With no established centers on the roster and only two-way options like Lachlan Olbrich available, Missi would step in as the immediate starter. He would gain more minutes, more reps, and a defined role. That environment often leads to a breakout for young big men.