The Boston Celtics are aggressively searching for a “big-time starting center” ahead of the February 5 trade deadline, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. While high-profile names like Ivica Zubac, Jaren Jackson Jr., Daniel Gafford, and Nic Claxton have surfaced repeatedly, another target is gaining traction: Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Missi has drawn significant league-wide interest, with Boston among a crowded group of suitors that includes the Pacers, Hawks, Knicks, Bulls, Lakers, and Raptors.
Why Missi Appeals to Boston
- 2025-26 stats: Averaging 5.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game through 41 contests. While production has dipped from his rookie All-Rookie Second Team season (2024-25), he ranks 12th in the league in offensive rebounds at 3.0 per game — a skill that translates immediately to Boston’s rotation.
- Contract: On a four-year, $15.6 million rookie-scale deal, earning $3.3 million this season with a $5.5 million team option through 2027-28 — low-cost, long-term developmental upside.
- Fit: The Celtics need more activity and depth in the paint after Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and two-way big Amari Williams have not fully stabilized the position.
Financial and Trade Asset Context Anfernee Simons’ $27.6 million expiring contract has long been viewed as Boston’s primary trade chip to shed salary (currently $12.1 million over the luxury tax). However, Scotto reports the Celtics are unwilling to attach a future first-round pick simply to dump Simons — especially with his strong sixth-man production this season.
Boston could use Simons, Chris Boucher, or Xavier Tillman for salary matching in smaller deals. Scotto added that Boucher has drawn exploratory interest from the Hawks, 76ers, Suns, and others.
Pelicans’ Asking Price New Orleans is reportedly holding out for at least a first-round pick for Missi — a price Boston may be reluctant to pay given their limited draft capital (2029 and 2032 picks already traded or frozen). Still, Missi remains a more economically viable option than many higher-profile centers on the market.
Bottom Line Missi represents a “low-risk, high-upside” addition: affordable long-term contract, immediate rebounding and rim protection, and developmental potential. If Boston is unwilling to pay premium prices for bigger names, Missi offers a realistic path to bolstering the frontcourt without sacrificing future flexibility or key rotation pieces.
Celtics Nation – would you pursue Yves Missi at a reasonable cost (second-rounder + filler)? Or hold out for a bigger-name center even if it means paying more?