The Boston Celtics continue to surprise the NBA by staying in the top tier of the East (28-16) despite Jayson Tatum’s long-term Achilles absence. With Tatum nearing a return, the front office is actively pursuing frontcourt upgrades – especially at center. ESPN’s Shams Charania on The Pat McAfee Show:
“They’ve been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially. So, they’re gonna be aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets, they’ve got contracts to use and play with.”
Among emerging names, Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans is gaining traction. Forbes’ Evan Sidery reports:
“Yves Missi is generating significant interest on the trade market once the Pelicans were open to fielding offers. The Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, Pacers, Raptors, and Warriors are among the teams who recently inquired on Missi.”
Missi’s Profile & Fit At 21 and 6’11”, Missi is a high-upside developmental big. He earned All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2024-25 (9.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.3 BPG). This season (39 games), role fluctuations dropped his numbers to 5.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.3 BPG – but he ranks 14th league-wide in offensive rebounds (3.0 per game).
His rookie-scale contract (4 years, $15.6M) is extremely team-friendly: $3.3M this year, $3.5M in 2026-27, team option $5.5M in 2027-28 – low-cost, long-term upside.
Fit for Boston Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have exceeded expectations as backups, but adding a high-upside center like Missi could raise the ceiling – especially with Tatum returning. Missi offers youth, rim-running, rebounding (especially offensive glass), and defensive presence that fits Mazzulla’s switch-heavy scheme.
Trade Framework Simons ($27.6M expiring) is Boston’s top trade chip. A Missi deal could be simple:
- Celtics receive: Yves Missi
- Pelicans receive: Anfernee Simons (or salary filler) + protected first/second-round picks
Pelicans are rebuilding – they need assets and cap space. Simons is a realistic target for them. Boston keeps its core (Brown, Tatum, Porzingis) and adds youth without major cost.
Other Links: Clippers Interested in Simons ClutchPoints’ Tom Azerly: Clippers are linked to Simons, Collin Sexton, and Coby White – all expiring. If Clippers want Simons to back up Harden/Leonard, multi-team deals could open paths for Boston (perhaps targeting Zubac/Claxton).
Bottom Line: Missi as a Smart Upside Swing Missi isn’t the “big-time starting center” Charania mentioned, but he’s a low-risk, high-upside add-on – perfect for Boston’s flexible approach. Queta’s solid play makes the upgrade debatable, but Missi brings long-term potential at minimal cost.
With the Feb. 5 deadline nearing, Celtics can make a calculated move like Missi to prepare for a deep postseason. It’s not a splash – but it’s smart.
Celtics Nation – trade Simons for Missi? Or hold for Claxton/Zubac? Drop your thoughts below!