​CLEVELAND, OHIO – MAY 25: Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Rocket Arena on May 25, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 18: Miles McBride #2 of the New York Knicks celebrates with the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy during the New York Knicks Championship ticker tape parade and victory rally celebrating winning the 2026 NBA Finals on June 18, 2026 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win their first NBA Championship in 53 years. (Photo by Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images) GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 26: Yves Missi #21 of the New Orleans Pelicans blocks the shot of Jaren Jackson Jr. #8 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second quarter of a 2025 Emirates NBA Cup game at Smoothie King Center on November 26, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) GettyThe New York Knicks have already been turned away in their pursuit of Yves Missi. Their next offer, if they decide to reopen talks with the New Orleans Pelicans, should be more aggressive without becoming reckless.A sensible trade proposal would be:Knicks receive: Yves MissiPelicans receive: Miles McBride and a top-four protected 2033 first-round pickIf the pick does not convey in 2033, it would convert into two second-round selections.The proposal is hypothetical, not a reported offer. But it represents the kind of middle ground New York may need after its initial bids for Missi were rejected.NBA insider Chris Haynes reported in July that the Knicks had made multiple attempts to acquire Missi after Mitchell Robinson left in free agency. The Pelicans viewed Missi as a vital piece of their core and sent a clear message that he was not available.Sources: New York Knicks have tried feverishly to trade for New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi after losing Mitchell Robinson, but offers have been rejected multiple times. Pelicans view Missi as a vital core figure and the message is that he’s unavailable. pic.twitter.com/EZYlzAEy1o— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 2, 2026That stance is understandable. Missi is 22, athletic, inexpensive and still developing. He averaged 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last season while offering the rim-running and defensive mobility that teams spend years trying to find.But a protected first-round pick would give New Orleans a reason to listen.Why McBride Could Become ExpendableGettyMiles McBride of the New York Knick