The Toronto Raptors are working the phones ahead of the trade deadline, and one name that’s popped up on their radar is Pelicans center Yves Missi. With Jakob Poeltl battling back issues all season, Toronto is clearly in the market for frontcourt reinforcements-and Missi checks a lot of boxes for a team trying to bolster its depth without making a major shakeup.
The Raptors’ interest in Missi is part of a broader search for help at the five. They’ve been linked to several big men throughout the season-Daniel Gafford, Goga Bitadze, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Nick Richards among them-as they look to shore up their interior presence while also trimming salary. Toronto is currently about $1 million over the luxury tax line, so any move that adds depth and saves money is going to catch their attention.
While there have been whispers about the Raptors kicking the tires on big-name stars like Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis, league sources say those talks haven’t gained much traction. Realistically, Toronto seems more inclined to pursue a smaller, more strategic addition-someone who can contribute now without disrupting the chemistry of a team that’s outperformed expectations.
At 29-19 and sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference, the Raptors have been one of the season’s pleasant surprises. Head coach Darko Rajakovic and the players have reportedly made it clear to management: they’re not looking for a dramatic roster overhaul. They believe in what they’ve built so far-and that makes a player like Missi all the more appealing.
Missi, the 21st overall pick in the 2024 draft, had a strong rookie campaign in New Orleans, starting 67 games and logging nearly 27 minutes a night. This season, his role has shifted-he’s coming off the bench and averaging just 19.2 minutes per game-but his upside remains intriguing. At just $3.4 million this season, with a $3.5 million salary in 2026-27 and a $5.6 million team option for 2027-28, Missi’s contract is exactly the kind of team-friendly deal that front offices covet.
The big question is: what’s the price tag? Around the league, the general sense is that the Pelicans might have to settle for multiple second-round picks if they decide to move Missi. But New Orleans reportedly has its sights set higher-they’re said to be holding out for a 2026 first-rounder and have already turned down at least one offer built around second-round selections.
Toronto has even floated the idea of acquiring Missi as part of a larger package. According to league sources, the Raptors discussed a potential deal involving RJ Barrett, Ochai Agbaji, and draft picks in exchange for Missi and Trey Murphy III. But the Pelicans weren’t interested, especially since they’ve been reluctant to entertain any offers for Murphy.
The Raptors aren’t the only team circling Missi, either. The Pacers, Knicks, and Bulls have all reportedly shown interest, and now the Hawks, Celtics, and Lakers are also in the mix. That kind of competition could drive up the asking price, but it also underscores how much value teams see in Missi’s combination of age, upside, and contract flexibility.
For Toronto, the calculus is simple: if they can land a young, athletic big who fits their timeline and helps them stay under the tax, it’s a win. Whether that turns into a deal before the deadline remains to be seen-but the Raptors are clearly in the hunt, and Missi is firmly on their radar.