The NBA trade deadline is set for Feb. 5, and the league is quickly heating up. Front offices are busy working the phones, exploring possible deals, and also figuring out how to improve their rosters for the second half of the season.
As contenders look to solidify playoff runs, new trade rumors continue to surface.
NBA Insider’s Latest Revelation Regarding the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls
One of the latest revelations involves the Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls, who appear to be circling the same young talent.
In a recent report by NBA insider Brett Siegel for ClutchPoints it was revealed that the Raptors and Bulls are currently engaged in “dialogue” centered around 2025 All-Rookie Team selectee Yves Missi, who is currently with the New Orleans Pelicans.
“Regarding Missi, both the Bulls and Raptors have held trade dialogue with the Pelicans. After being an All-Rookie selection a season ago, Missi does not hold first-round value in trade talks, and teams believe a deal involving him before the deadline that revolves around second-round picks is likely, sources said,” Siegel wrote in his report.
Missi entered the NBA in 2024, when he was selected with the 21st overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Pelicans. Then shortly after he was drafted, he signed a four-year rookie-scale contract worth $15,654,827. Missi is earning a salary of $3,353,040 during the 2025-26 season.
Missi has been productive when on the floor this season, averaging 5.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 54.3% from the field across a modest 19.2 minutes per game.
For the Bulls, who have a 23-25 record and are desperately trying to climb back into playoff contention, Missi would bring much-needed rim protection.
Chicago has been struggling with interior defense all season, and adding a shot-blocker like Missi could help shore up that weakness while also creating more transition opportunities. His ability to set solid screens could also benefit Josh Giddey, who, as a playmaking guard, would likely thrive playing off Missi’s screens and his ability to serve as a lob threat.
As for the Raptors who are in a much better position at 29-20, Missi could provide valuable depth to their frontcourt rotation behind Jakob Poeltl.
Siegel also noted in his report that the Raptors were previously in talks with the Pelicans about a potential deal for Trey Murphy III. However those discussions ultimately did not lead to anything.
“Toronto has been aggressive this season on the trade market, and they brought up the idea of packaging RJ Barrett, Ochai Agbaji, and draft picks to acquire both Missi and Murphy from New Orleans, which sources said was something the Pelicans weren’t willing to do,” Siegel wrote in his report.
This suggests Toronto is serious about dealing with New Orleans, and there’s a real possibility they could double down on their efforts to land Missi instead.
