NBA Trade Rumors: Bulls Land Yves Missi in Bleacher Report's 'Perfect' 2026 Offseason Trade Proposal: Low-Cost Center Upgrade Incoming?

 Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz wrote an article where he made perfect trades for each team this offseason. In this hypothetical trade, the Bulls are acquiring center Yves Missi. In exchange, they are sending the Pelicans two second-round picks in this year’s draft and another from the 2028 NBA Draft.

Below is the reasoning he gave for Chicago making this deal:

“The Bulls are looking for a new franchise center, preferably someone who is young enough to grow with this core and become a future defensive anchor. Missi, 21, is 6’11” with a 7’2″ wingspan who is blocking 1.4 shots in just 18.8 minutes of play this season. He’s seen a reduced role with the Pelicans due to the Derik Queen pick and DeAndre Jordan signing, signaling that the second-year center may be available. New Orleans doesn’t own its first-round pick this year, so the Bulls could send a pair of seconds in 2026 and another future selection to help the Pelicans decide to part with the former first-round pick.”

This low-cost proposal stands out in Swartz's piece as a realistic, asset-light way for Chicago to address one of their most glaring roster holes heading into the 2026 offseason. After moving on from veteran bigs in recent years and seeing limited production from stopgap options, the Bulls enter free agency with no guaranteed starting center under contract beyond the current campaign.

The Bulls currently do not have a center on the payroll for next season, as both Nic Richards and Zach Collins are on expiring deals. However, they have Lachan Olbrich as a two-way player, and he is a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

Why Yves Missi Could Be the Ideal Fit

At just 21 years old, Missi brings elite physical tools: his 7'2" wingspan and athleticism make him a natural shot-blocker (1.4 blocks per game in limited minutes) and rim-runner. In a reduced role this season behind New Orleans' additions like rookie Derik Queen and veteran DeAndre Jordan, his opportunities have dipped—but his per-minute impact remains strong, positioning him as a high-upside talent ready for more responsibility.

For Chicago, pairing Missi with their young core could provide long-term stability in the paint. His defensive instincts would anchor the backline, allowing perimeter defenders to play more aggressively, while his finishing ability as a lob threat complements playmakers on the roster. At this price—three second-rounders—it's a low-risk bet on development without sacrificing first-round capital or young rotation pieces.

Pelicans' Perspective: Depth Trade-Off

New Orleans, lacking their own 2026 first-rounder (tied up in prior deals), might view seconds as valuable roster-building currency. With Queen emerging and Jordan providing veteran minutes, parting with Missi for draft ammo aligns with maintaining flexibility in a crowded frontcourt. It's a classic depth-for-assets swap that benefits both sides without major salary complications.

Bottom Line: Smart, Sensible Move for Rebuilding Bulls

Swartz's proposal feels grounded in reality—Chicago's center search has been ongoing, and Missi's profile matches what they've sought: youth, defense, and upside. No massive overpay, no gutting the roster—just a calculated addition that could pay dividends as the core matures.

Would this be the perfect offseason splash for the Bulls, or should they hold out for a bigger name? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss more 2026 trade scenarios!