A new trade target for the Celtics has reportedly emerged. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Boston is one of a handful of teams to express "significant trade interest" in New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi.
It's worth reminding that sometimes information doesn't reach the public until it's stale. There's also the possibility this was nothing more than a franchise performing its due diligence.
Still, Missi is an enticing option who is worth pursuing. The six-foot-11 center is a rim-protector; makes an impact on the glass at both ends of the floor, and does damage around the basket.
He swatted 1.3 shots in his rookie campaign a year ago and is now blocking 1.4 despite seeing his minutes slashed by about seven per contest. He grabbed 8.2 rebounds in his first season in the Association, including 3.5 at the offensive end. He's now snagging nearly six per tilt in 19.2 minutes. That includes generating three second-chance opportunities per appearance. Missi averaged 9.1 points during 2024-25 and is now producing 5.8 per contest.
What would it cost to acquire Yves Missi?
According to Scotto, the Pelicans "have signaled that they'd want a first-round pick to consider parting with Missi."
That could be New Orleans negotiating in public. Understandably, they would start high. They also might hold firm on that. The organization invested the 21st overall pick in him last year. Despite not seeming like a fit alongside Derrick Queen, his promising rookie campaign could fetch the Pelicans their desired price.
If that's the case, from Boston's perspective, the decision-makers in the front office could justify paying it or preserving first-round draft capital. Maybe the Celtics could land Missi for two second-round picks. However, with so many teams reportedly showing interest in trading for him, that might not be enough.
Another option is to offer the individual Boston selected with its first-round pick a year ago, Baylor Scheierman. Whether the franchise has any interest in a proposal centered around swapping those two to fortify its frontcourt is anyone's guess.
Scheierman has made massive strides on defense. His work in the weight room, tenacity, and ability to win with anticipation and positioning have turned him into a trusted option against opposing stars. He has guarded the likes of Tyrese Maxey, Kevin Durant, Victor Wembanyama, and Cade Cunningham, including in pivotal, late-game moments. That highlights his defensive versatility and the Celtics' trust in him.
That growth, paired with his shooting, playmaking, comfort handling the ball, and willingness to crash the glass and contribute in that area, may dissuade Boston from trading him unless Scheierman's included in a more significant deal.
Making a bold move by the trade deadline on Feb. 5 seems less likely than not, however. Acquiring a player like Missi, a center on a reasonable contract, in this case, a rookie deal, has more merit to it, in this author's opinion. The price to pry him from the Pelicans might stand in the way of him being the player the Celtics trade for, though.