{"id":554229,"date":"2026-01-22T23:39:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T23:39:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/554229\/"},"modified":"2026-01-22T23:39:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T23:39:18","slug":"should-the-washington-wizards-trade-for-pelicans-sophomore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/554229\/","title":{"rendered":"Should The Washington Wizards Trade For Pelicans Sophomore?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Washington Wizards trade rumors are currently centered in New Orleans. Wizards insider Josh Robbins<\/a> reported that Washington could be a \u201clong-shot\u201d landing spot<\/a> for two-time All-Star Zion Williamson<\/a>. However, there is another big man in The Big Easy who Washington could be interested in pairing with their young core.<\/p>\n

Should The Washington Wizards Trade For Pelicans Sophomore?<\/p>\n

With all the speculation on Williamson, it\u2019s easy to follow the major headlines. Unknown to the majority, the Pelicans have put Yves Missi<\/a> in the firing line, listening to potential offers, and actually considering shipping the second-year pro out. SportNet and Raptors Insider Michael Grange<\/a> reported the news<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201cI have also heard from multiple sources that second-year centre Yves Missi is available from New Orleans as the Pelicans look to focus their rebuild around rookie big Derik Queen<\/a>, although the Raptors\u2019 interest in the 21-year-old taken 21st in the 2024 draft is unclear.\u201d<\/p>\n

Given the rapid rise in expectations for Washington\u2019s future, it\u2019s essential to continue pursuing its goal of acquiring young talent. Trae Young\u2019s<\/a> arrival has spelled immediate contention for the Wizards next season.<\/a> With that being said, that doesn\u2019t mean Washington needs to lose focus on development<\/a>. Missi\u2019s upside is worth at least a call to the Pelicans, and he would fit perfectly on a developing but rising roster.<\/p>\n

Missi\u2019s Diminished Role<\/p>\n

In the midst of a horrid season for the Pelicans, Missi\u2019s role has shrunk from his rookie year. Last season, He was a focal point on the roster. He started 67 of his 73 appearances and averaged a near double-double with 9.1 points and 8.2 rebounds, with over a block per game. Flash forward to now, his role has been almost cut in half.<\/p>\n

From averaging 26.8 to 18.8 minutes per contest and attempting two and a half fewer shots, Missi\u2019s role has been trending down this season. Missing out on crucial development time, and as a result, his value is solely based on his potential. Washington consistently looks for these types of talents. That being players who have insanely high upside who need a change of scenery and real opportunities to see the floor.<\/p>\n

Now, Missi\u2019s value is at its lowest point so far in his early career. So, should Washington try to trade for the Baylor product? What would his potential fit on the current roster look like?<\/p>\n

Missi\u2019s Potential Fit With The Wizards
\n\"JordanJan 3, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi (21) grabs a rebound against Washington Wizards forward Alexandre Sarr (20) and guard Jordan Poole (13) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Considering Missi\u2019s position at center, the fit isn\u2019t clean between him and Alex Sarr<\/a>. However, Sarr\u2019s frame would allow him to play the power forward position and excel after an adjustment period. This duo\u2019s defensive potential would be absurd. Both players are extremely gifted at blocking shots and disrupting paint offense. Sarr ranks first in the entire league, and Missi isn\u2019t far behind, sitting comfortably in the top 20. Sports Illustrated\u2019s Owen Jury<\/a> gave his take on what a potential pairing:<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the course of the season \u2014 and especially in recent games \u2014 teams have exploited Sarr\u2019s physical weakness, deploying bigger, stronger centers in order to overpower the thin frame that Sarr currently possesses. The fix for this is to find a center who can make up for what Sarr lacks physically as of now, and what better name to enter trade talks than Missi.\u201d<\/p>\n

Missi would be the man in the middle, which would allow Sarr to step outside the arch more often. This season, Sarr\u2019s offense has seen a massive shift. He looks far more comfortable inside, while his outside shooting has been a secondary option. That being said, his shooting has improved tremendously. Compared to last season, he\u2019s shooting better at almost every spot on the floor, with a four percent jump from three.<\/p>\n

The Missi-Sarr combo would be amazing on both ends, but there\u2019s more. Once Young comes back, the entire offense will be revolutionized into a high-powered scoring unit. Missi would excel in pick-and-roll opportunities, with the rim wide open and Sarr floating.<\/p>\n

The Last Word<\/p>\n

Washington has had numerous names<\/a> swirling around the organization. From Williamson to Jonathan Kuminga<\/a>\u2018s inevitable exit<\/a>, the market is active as ever. Washington\u2019s aggressiveness in the market so far makes it a very intriguing name to watch as the deadline continues moving closer. It may not be Missi, but there will be at least one<\/a> (or a few) new names in D.C after the deadline passes.<\/p>\n

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