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Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla during a game against the Detroit Pistons in October 2025
The Boston Celtics are increasingly being viewed around the league as buyers as the February 5 trade deadline approaches.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Boston’s focus has sharpened on upgrading the frontcourt, specifically at center.
“They’ve been in the marketplace, trying to go get a big-time starting center potentially,” Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show. “So, they’re gonna be, I think, aggressive in moving the needle. They’ve got assets, they’ve got contracts to use and play with.”
With the front office exploring ways to strengthen the middle, a familiar young name has begun to surface in trade conversations.
Boston Celtics Linked to Young Frontcourt Option
As reported by Forbes’ Evan Sidery, one player Boston has recently explored is New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi, with several teams circling.
“Yves Missi is generating significant interest on the trade market once the Pelicans were open to fielding offers,” Sidery posted. “The Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, Pacers, Raptors, and Warriors are among the teams who recently inquired on Missi.”
At just 21-years-old, Missi represents an intriguing developmental option for teams looking to reinforce their frontcourt with youth and upside.
After earning All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2024-25, averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, his production has dipped in his sophomore season as his role has fluctuated.
Through 39 games this season, Missi is averaging 5.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, on lower minutes amid organizational changes in New Orleans.
Even so, his impact on the glass remains evident. The 6-foot-11 center is pulling down 3.0 offensive rebounds per game, ranking 14th across the league.
How Missi Fits Boston’s Bigger Picture
While Neemias Queta and Luka Garza have exceeded expectations in their respective roles, there is a sense that adding a higher-caliber presence in the middle could further elevate Boston’s ceiling, particularly with Jayson Tatum expected back for a late-season push.
From a financial standpoint, Missi checks several boxes. He remains on his four-year, $15.6 million rookie-scale deal, earning $3.3 million this season and $3.5 million through 2026-27, with a $5.5 million team option for 2027-28.
That structure makes him a low-cost, long-term developmental piece rather than a cap-clogging commitment.
While he doesn’t neatly align with the “big-time starting center” profile Boston has reportedly been targeting, he would represent an affordable upside swing if the opportunity presents itself.
Anfernee Simons’ $27.6 million expiring contract stands out as Boston’s most significant trade chip, though it’s unlikely to be involved in a Missi deal.
The Celtics have also previously been linked to Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton and Los Angeles Clippers big man Ivica Zubac.
According to ClutchPoints’ Tom Azerly, the Clippers may have interest in Simons, potentially opening alternative pathways for Boston to explore on the trade market.
“Other players that have been linked to the Clippers over the last several days are Collin Sexton, Anfernee Simons, and Coby White,” Azerly reported. “All three players are on expiring contracts and are currently on teams that likely prefer to move them for the right price.”
A move for Missi, however, would likely fall into the category of a smaller, complementary transaction. One that preserves Boston’s financial and strategic flexibility while keeping the door open for additional upgrades as the deadline approaches.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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