The Toronto Raptors have undeniably signaled their “all-in” status this summer. With the massive blockbuster trade to bring Kawhi Leonard back to the 6ix, the front office has clearly shifted into win-now mode. However, amidst the excitement of a championship-level reunion, one glaring roster hole remains that threatens to derail the team’s aspirations: the lack of a reliable backup center behind Jakob Poeltl.
For months, the rumors had been swirling around a specific target who fit the Raptors’ needs like a glove: New Orleans Pelicans sophomore big man Yves Missi. The logic was sound—a young, high-energy defensive anchor on a cost-effective rookie contract who could provide a different look behind the oft-injured Poeltl. Unfortunately, that dream has officially evaporated.
The Pelicans Slam the Door
According to a report from NBA insider Chris Haynes, the New Orleans front office has officially shut down trade talks involving Missi. The Pelicans have reportedly turned away multiple aggressive offers from the New York Knicks, signaling that they view the 22-year-old as a cornerstone of their future core. By taking him off the table, New Orleans has effectively slammed the door on any hopes the Raptors had of securing a “plug-and-play” defensive presence this summer.
Why Missi Was the “Quintessential” Fit
The frustration for Toronto fans is understandable. Missi wasn’t just another player; he was the specific archetype of backup big the Raptors desperately need. Last season, despite a turbulent rotation in New Orleans, Missi’s impact was profound. In roughly 20 minutes per game, he averaged 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and a highly impressive 1.5 blocks.
More importantly, his advanced metrics tell a more compelling story. Among Pelicans players who appeared in at least 20 games last year, Missi finished second in net rating, trailing only defensive specialist Herb Jones. He is a high-motor rim protector who crashes the glass with relentless intensity—exactly the type of player who could have taken the heavy lifting off the 30-year-old Poeltl, whose recent injury history has made him a frequent absentee from the lineup.
With Kawhi Leonard back in the fold, Toronto cannot afford to experience the same defensive lapses that plagued them when Poeltl was off the floor last season. A young, athletic big like Missi would have provided that crucial insurance policy, keeping the Raptors’ defensive identity intact regardless of who is guarding the paint. Furthermore, Missi represented a long-term succession plan. With another year of development, the Raptors could have eventually transitioned him into the starting role, fitting seamlessly into a system that asks its centers to do the basics perfectly: set screens, protect the rim, and own the glass.
What Now for Toronto?
With Missi officially off the market, the Raptors’ front office is back to the drawing board. The “dream” trade target is gone, and the clock is ticking toward the new season. The reality is that Toronto’s window of contention is now officially open—thanks to the return of “The Klaw”—but championship aspirations require a championship-caliber rotation.
Expect the Raptors to pivot heavily toward the free-agent market in the coming days. The options are dwindling, and the price of a quality backup big is only going to rise as other teams finalize their own rosters. Finding a player who offers Missi’s combination of youth, defensive upside, and contract value will be nearly impossible, but the front office has no choice. If the Raptors want to seriously challenge the 76ers, Cavaliers, and the defending champion Knicks in the Eastern Conference, they must resolve the backup five spot—and they need to do it quickly. The “Kawhi Era 2.0” has begun, but it will only succeed if the foundation is as solid as the superstar leading the charge.
