NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – The New Orleans Pelicans appear to be holding firm on one of their young frontcourt pieces.
The New York Knicks tried to trade for Pelicans center Yves Missi after losing Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics, but New Orleans rejected multiple attempts, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Haynes reported that the Knicks “tried feverishly” to acquire Missi, but were turned down because the Pelicans view him as a key piece and have told teams he is unavailable.
Sources: New York Knicks have tried feverishly to trade for New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi after losing Mitchell Robinson, but offers have been rejected multiple times. Pelicans view Missi as a vital core figure and the message is that he’s unavailable. pic.twitter.com/EZYlzAEy1o
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 2, 2026
The reported trade push came after Robinson, a Chalmette High School graduate, agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with Boston.
Robinson’s move created an opening in New York’s frontcourt after he spent his first eight NBA seasons with the Knicks and helped the team win the 2026 NBA championship.
St. Bernard Parish celebrated Robinson with a June 25 parade in Chalmette after the title run.
Missi, 22, is entering his third NBA season with the Pelicans. The 6-foot-11 center averaged 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists last season, according to NBA.com. He was selected by New Orleans in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft with the No. 21 overall pick.
The Pelicans’ reported stance suggests Missi remains part of their long-term plans as New Orleans reshapes its roster around young players and interior defense.
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