SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors have been the quietest big-market team this offseason. This silence frustrates fans who expected aggressive moves after the Jimmy Butler splash and a gritty playoff win against Houston. The team still faces the huge question of Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency. No resolution there yet. While free agency drifts away, the front office can still work magic through the trade market. One clever target to fix a glaring hole? A big body with real upside — Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Warriors Could Use Yves Missi To Solve Biggest Issue
Why Missi Makes Sense Now
Golden State lost Kevon Looney, a loyal glue guy, to the Pelicans. Looney’s offensive skills were never the draw. His value came through rebounding, connecting passes, and smart off-ball play. He averaged 2.5 offensive boards a night, giving the Warriors extra possessions they needed badly.
His rebounding isn’t easily replaced. The 2025 free agent class thinned quickly. The rumor mill says Al Horford could join the Warriors soon. That helps, but Horford is 39. Add him to Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green — you have an aging core with heavy mileage. You can’t lean on them for eighty-plus games and deep playoff runs. That’s why the Warriors’ Yves Missi plan must happen to freshen up the frontcourt.
Missi’s Numbers Make The Case
Missi, a 6’11” second-team all-rookie last season, averaged 3.5 offensive rebounds per game. Top ten in the league. He alone can almost wipe out the hole left by Looney’s exit. He’s raw. He’ll make mistakes. But a young, bouncy big with motor covers so many sins.
If Horford signs, Missi lightens his burden. He keeps Butler from battling bigger forwards for extra possessions every night. That saves legs and possibly prevents wear-and-tear injuries down the stretch. This is how contenders build depth: mix trusted veterans with fresh energy.
Money And Fit Both Work
A Warriors and Yves Missi union makes sense financially. He’s still on his rookie contract for three years. The front office can match his salary with spare minimum deals. The Kuminga contract situation adds a tax layer. So finding value deals like Missi is gold for cap management. You keep your big three happy, protect your cap, and add real rotation help for pennies on the dollar.
The Pelicans would pick up the phone. They drafted Derik Queen and signed Looney. Their center room is crowded. They’d flip Missi for picks or small contracts. A Yves Missi trade checks all the boxes — need, cost, age, upside.
No-Brainer For A Sneaky Contender
The Butler trade shows the Warriors want one more shot with Curry. But wanting it isn’t enough. Winning it means solving small issues before they break you in May. Offensive rebounding was the quiet weakness last season. Missi can patch that. He’s a project but a perfect low-risk swing.
In a summer when the Warriors have mostly sat still, trading for Yves Missi could be the spark that keeps this window alive just a bit longer.
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