The Washington Wizards trade rumors are currently centered in New Orleans. Wizards insider Josh Robbins reported that Washington could be a “long-shot” landing spot for two-time All-Star Zion Williamson. However, there is another big man in The Big Easy who Washington could be interested in pairing with their young core.
Should The Washington Wizards Trade For Pelicans Sophomore?
With all the speculation on Williamson, it’s easy to follow the major headlines. Unknown to the majority, the Pelicans have put Yves Missi in the firing line, listening to potential offers, and actually considering shipping the second-year pro out. SportNet and Raptors Insider Michael Grange reported the news:
“I 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, although the Raptors’ interest in the 21-year-old taken 21st in the 2024 draft is unclear.”
Given the rapid rise in expectations for Washington’s future, it’s essential to continue pursuing its goal of acquiring young talent. Trae Young’s arrival has spelled immediate contention for the Wizards next season. With that being said, that doesn’t mean Washington needs to lose focus on development. Missi’s upside is worth at least a call to the Pelicans, and he would fit perfectly on a developing but rising roster.
Missi’s Diminished Role
In the midst of a horrid season for the Pelicans, Missi’s 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.
From averaging 26.8 to 18.8 minutes per contest and attempting two and a half fewer shots, Missi’s 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.
Now, Missi’s 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?
Missi’s Potential Fit With The Wizards
Considering Missi’s position at center, the fit isn’t clean between him and Alex Sarr. However, Sarr’s frame would allow him to play the power forward position and excel after an adjustment period. This duo’s 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’t far behind, sitting comfortably in the top 20. Sports Illustrated’s Owen Jury gave his take on what a potential pairing:
“Over the course of the season — and especially in recent games — teams have exploited Sarr’s 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.”
Missi would be the man in the middle, which would allow Sarr to step outside the arch more often. This season, Sarr’s 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’s shooting better at almost every spot on the floor, with a four percent jump from three.
The Missi-Sarr combo would be amazing on both ends, but there’s 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.
The Last Word
Washington has had numerous names swirling around the organization. From Williamson to Jonathan Kuminga‘s inevitable exit, the market is active as ever. Washington’s 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 (or a few) new names in D.C after the deadline passes.
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