As the NBA trade deadline looms on February 5, one name gaining traction in front offices across the league is Yves Missi. The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly shopping the second-year center, and while the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers have already been linked to Missi, there’s a new team entering the mix: the Toronto Raptors.
Toronto’s interest makes a lot of sense. The Raptors are looking to shore up their frontcourt depth and create some financial breathing room under the luxury tax threshold.
Missi checks both boxes. He’s on a rookie-scale contract, and his skill set directly addresses one of the Raptors’ biggest weaknesses-rebounding.
Right now, Toronto ranks in the bottom 10 in rebounds per game, and it’s been a glaring issue all season. Missi, meanwhile, ranks fifth in offensive rebounding percentage among players who’ve logged at least 30 games this year, per NBA.com. That’s not just a nice stat-it’s the kind of tangible impact that can swing possessions in tight games, especially come playoff time.
But it’s not just the rebounding. Missi brings a level of rim protection the Raptors sorely lack.
He’s long, athletic, and instinctive defensively, with the kind of timing that can anchor a second unit or even close games depending on matchups. For a team like Toronto, currently sitting fourth in the East and trending upward, adding a player like Missi could be the move that solidifies their playoff rotation.
Of course, New Orleans isn’t just giving him away. According to reports, the Pelicans are seeking a first-round pick in return-no surprise, considering they’re without their own due to the draft-night deal that brought Derik Queen to town.
That puts the Raptors, who currently project to pick 19th overall, in an interesting spot. Is that pick worth parting with for a young big who fills an immediate need and still has room to grow?
It might be. Missi isn’t a rental.
He’s under contract for two more seasons after this one, and he’s already showing signs of becoming a high-level contributor. While his per-game numbers-5.8 points and 5.8 rebounds-don’t scream star, they don’t tell the full story either.
He leads the Pelicans in net rating, a strong indicator that good things happen when he’s on the floor.
For Toronto, this is about more than plugging a hole. It’s about building a playoff-ready roster that can compete in an Eastern Conference that feels wide open beyond the top couple of teams.
The Raptors have won four of their last five and are playing their best basketball of the season. The one thing they’re missing?
A consistent presence at the five.
Missi could be that guy.
And for the Pelicans, the motivation is clear. They’re prioritizing draft capital over young players in return, which aligns perfectly with what Toronto can offer. While other teams might dangle intriguing prospects, the Raptors have the kind of mid-first-round pick New Orleans covets.
If both sides are serious, this could be one of those rare trade deadline deals that works for everyone involved. The Raptors get the frontcourt boost they need for a playoff push, and the Pelicans recoup a valuable asset as they continue to reshape their roster around their core.
Keep an eye on this one. It’s got all the ingredients of a deadline deal that could quietly shift the balance in the East.