In a move that could redefine the Chicago Bulls’ future, the Windy City franchise is on the verge of landing a towering talent from the New Orleans Pelicans. With the NBA trade deadline looming just weeks away on February 6, 2026, rumors have intensified around the Bulls’ interest in Yves Missi, the 21-year-old, six-foot-eleven center who was selected 21st overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sources indicate that Chicago is not just monitoring the situation—they’re actively pursuing a deal that could inject raw athleticism and defensive prowess into a roster desperately in need of a reset.
The Bulls, long mired in the NBA’s dreaded “treadmill of mediocrity,” have been labeled as prime sellers this season. Veterans like Nikola Vucevic, whose contract expires at the end of the year, and other expiring assets such as Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu, could be on the move. But under executive Arturas Karnisovas, the front office has shown a penchant for targeting young, high-upside players rather than solely chasing draft picks. Remember the acquisitions of Josh Giddey (now 23) two offseasons ago, the re-signing of 25-year-old Tre Jones this summer, and the recent swap of Lonzo Ball for 24-year-old Isaac Okoro? This pattern suggests the Bulls are building a core of emerging talents, and Missi fits that mold perfectly.
According to Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal, the Bulls have joined the Indiana Pacers in expressing strong interest in Missi. “Sources indicate that the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls are two teams to monitor for Missi. However, there is believed to be more traction for the Pacers at this time, with Bennedict Mathurin as a player who would be involved in such a trade,” Afseth reported. Despite the Pacers’ edge, Chicago’s involvement signals a bold step toward rebuilding around youth and athleticism.
Why Missi? The former Baylor standout is a freak athlete with the tools to become a dominant force in the paint. At 6’11” with a wingspan that seems endless, Missi brings elite rim protection, explosive leaping ability, and the lateral quickness to switch onto guards in pick-and-roll situations. In his rookie season with the Pelicans, he averaged 8.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, showcasing flashes of the defensive anchor the Bulls have craved since the days of Joakim Noah. Paired with playmaker Josh Giddey, Missi’s lob-finishing potential could create nightmare matchups for opponents.
Of course, Missi isn’t without his warts. His offensive game remains raw—he’s not a floor-spacer, shooting just 28% from beyond the arc in limited attempts, and his free-throw percentage hovers at 61.7%. Finishing at the rim has been inconsistent for someone with his physical gifts, and he’s still adjusting to the NBA’s speed. But at only 21 years old and in his second season, Missi represents pure upside. The Pelicans’ willingness to move him stems from the emergence of rookie Derik Queen, a versatile big man drafted in 2025, who has quickly climbed the depth chart. New Orleans has also signaled they’re holding onto other assets like Jordan Hawkins, making Missi a more attainable target.
For the Bulls, this potential acquisition addresses a glaring hole at center. Vucevic, at 35, is a skilled veteran but no longer fits a rebuilding timeline. Jalen Smith and Zach Collins have provided solid minutes but lack the star potential to anchor a contending frontcourt. Missi’s arrival could signal the end of the Vucevic era, with the Bulls possibly flipping the Montenegrin big man for additional assets before the deadline.
What might a deal look like? The Bulls hold a protected first-round pick from the Portland Trail Blazers (currently the 9th seed in the West, pushing for playoffs), which could sweeten any offer. New Orleans, without their own 2026 first-rounder, might covet that draft capital. Could Coby White or Ayo Dosunmu head south in return? The Pelicans just drafted promising guard Jeremiah Fears in 2025, so they might seek wing depth or expiring contracts instead. Regardless, the Bulls’ interest in Missi underscores their commitment to youth over immediate wins.
This isn’t just a trade rumor—it’s a statement. By targeting Missi, the Bulls are embracing a full rebuild, prioritizing long-term potential over short-term patches. Fans in Chicago have waited years for a spark like this. If the deal goes through, Missi could be the cornerstone that propels the Bulls into a new era of contention. Standing tall at 6’11”, he’s not just a player; he’s a symbol of hope for a franchise ready to leap forward.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on Karnisovas and the front office. Will the Bulls seal the deal and usher in this massive leap? Stay tuned—Chicago’s rebuild is about to get a whole lot taller.