The Raptors are reportedly unwilling to give a first-round asset to the Pelicans for Yves Missi.
The Toronto Raptors couldn't be more desperate in addressing their massive void at the center spot, considering the season-long absence of starting big man Jakob Poeltl due to a back injury.
Toronto Raptors / Schedule
Toronto can be linked to several key bigs in the market ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Yet according to Michael Grange of SportsNet, they are reportedly hesitant to pursue Yves Missi due to the New Orleans Pelicans' asking price of at least a first-round asset.
"I'm hearing, the catch there, is that New Orleans wants a first-round pick. But the Raptors are very hesitant [on it]," Grange said.
With the emergence of promising rookie Derik Queen, Missi has been identified by many teams as a potential trade center that can be pursued within the Pelicans.
Missi is averaging 5.7 points, 5.8 boards and 1.4 blocks in 43 games. Despite lower numbers in his sophomore season, the 21-year-old has an intriguing upside with his defensive play and length.
But upon this revelation from the Pelicans' trade demand, it remains to be seen which team would be willing to sacrifice a future pick for the young big man.
As such, the Raptors could pursue other choices who can immediately anchor their interior for a potential postseason run later this year.
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