The Philadelphia 76ers are probably out of the running for a major splash before the trade deadline, but the front office is rumored to be angling up to make a move to improve the roster on the margins. As such, it is probably safe to infer that they are in the market for some role players, especially given their ugly play as of late.
An area which they could look to bolster is the center position, but only insofar as to give them even more insurance. Adem Bona and Andre Drummond have been fine, but the 76ers should not settle. One player who should pique their interest is Pelicans big man Yves Missi, who was already made available in the trade market.
Unfortunately, it seems like New Orleans’ asking price for Missi is way too much for the purpose which the 76ers would hypothetically want him for. Hence, this probably takes Philly away from the list of suitors for the young big man before the trade deadline.
The 76ers cannot afford to trade for Yves Missi due to his rumored price tag
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), the Pelicans have tested the waters on what they could possibly fetch for Missi in the trade market. So far, they have garnered considerable interest on their young big man, with the Pacers being on the shortlist of teams.
Fischer said that the current trade framework involves Indiana sending out Bennedict Mathurin for Missi, which means that it would take a lot for New Orleans to even move the latter in a deal. Unfortunately, such degree of a return package would entail the 76ers having to part with a future-oriented asset like a young player or a first-round pick, which should be out of the question.
The 76ers only need someone who can shuffle with Bona or Drummond as the primary backup for Embiid, and parting wich that kind of asset for a bench player would be excessive. Missi is a great, physical big man who is not afraid to stick his nose on D, but he is not the low-cost player the 76ers need at this juncture.
Unless the Pelicans somehow temper their asking price for Missi (and the Pacers do not gouge his price by pushing through with their Mathurin offer), the 76ers could afford the young center. Until then, Philly has no chance of striking a deal with New Orleans.