New Orleans Pelicans fans saw Yves Missi’s name linked to trade rumors this week, but most people in New Orleans immediately focused on the team call, and not the player mentioned. If the Chicago Bulls are truly interested in Zion Williamson, this could finally be the moment the Pelicans turn years of frustration into real power.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Timesthe Bulls and Pelicans discussed the framework of a trade involving “players such as forward Zion Williamson and center Yves Missi.” That doesn’t mean a deal has been made, but it does mean Chicago is exploring something big, and New Orleans is listening.
This is important because the pelicans are between 10 and 35 years old and no longer have any explanations. This roster was built to compete, but never found stability. At some point the conversation has to shift from potential to direction. The Bulls’ interest gives New Orleans a rare opportunity to do that on its own terms.
The Chicago Bulls could provide leverage for the Pelicans
Chicago’s track record makes this intriguing. The Bulls have shown they are willing to sacrifice future assets for a chance at relevance. The Nikola Vucevic trade alone cost them two first-round picks, resulting in Franz Wagner and Jett Howard.
The Bulls also made the mistake with the Zach LaVine contract, which quickly became difficult to move once the team stalled. If Chicago sees Zion as a shortcut back into the conversation, the Pelicans should be ready to take advantage.
Zion’s timing also works in New Orleans’ favor. For once, he is both healthy and productive. He has played 19 straight games, which is his longest stretch since the 2022-2023 season. This season, he averaged 22.5 points and nearly six assists per night. When he’s on the floor, he still looks like one of the toughest players in the league to stop. That combination makes this a selling moment that the Pelicans have never experienced before.
From a roster perspective, a Zion trade would also bring clarity. The organization appears ready to build around Derik Queen, who projects best at power forward. Zion occupies that same offensive space, and Queen is unwilling to anchor the paint alone in the middle. Keeping both only slows down development and postpones difficult decisions.
Therefore, Missi should not be the focus of these conversations. He fits into the timeline, offers real defensive value, and complements Queen rather than overlapping with him. Zion is the piece that allows the Pelicans to reset the roster and move forward with purpose.
For Pelicans fans, this rumor isn’t about giving up talent. It’s about finally recognizing the moment. If the Bulls are willing to gamble big, New Orleans needs to make sure this is the team that makes money.
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