The Knicks have been looking for their Mitchell Robinson replacement in the Big Easy, but the Pelicans are telling them to take a hike.
New York has tried to acquire New Orleans center Yves Missi this offseason, but multiple offers to the Pelicans have been rejected, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. The Pelicans view the big man as a vital core figure.
The Pelicans have also reportedly told the Knicks that they have no intention of moving Missi.
It’s not the first time that the Knicks have pursued the 6-foot-11 big man in 2026, with The Post’s Stefan Bondy reporting in February that the team approached New Orleans specifically about Missi.
At the time, a source told Bondy that New Orleans was looking for a first-round pick in exchange for Missi. The Knicks did not have any first-rounders to give up.
The Knicks have seemed to have heightened their search to fill the gap left by Robinson’s departure, which was a foregone conclusion — with owner James Dolan saying he was unwilling to go into the NBA’s second apron — after the celebration of the team’s first title in 53 years settled down.
A league source also told The Post that the Knicks were among the teams that were vying to sign Marvin Bagley III before he eventually agreed to a deal with the Nuggets.
Missi averaged 5.7 points per game and 5.8 rebounds last season with the Pelicans, while also averaging 1.5 blocks per game.
The big man is one of New Orleans’ best offensive rebounders and rim protectors, and it makes sense that the Pelicans are not interested in sending him elsewhere.
The Knicks do need to fill the hole in their frontcourt after Robinson’s departure.
The beloved Knick spent eight years with the organization before he agreed to sign with the rival Celtics on a three-year, $47.4 million contract.
