The Toronto Raptors have parted ways with president and vice chairman Masai Ujiri after 12 years, ending the tenure of the executive who delivered the franchise's only NBA championship. The move comes just one day after the NBA draft and less than a week before free agency begins, creating uncertainty for an organization in the midst of rebuilding.
Ujiri was entering the final year of his contract when Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment decided to make the change, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, who first reported the news Friday morning1. The Raptors confirmed the departure in a press release later that day1.
"During his 13 seasons with the Raptors, Masai has helped transform the organization on the court and has been an inspirational leader off it," MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement1. "He brought an NBA Championship to Toronto and urged us to believe in this city, and ourselves."
The timing surprised many observers, with TSN's Josh Lewenberg noting it came "right before free agency begins next week and the morning after the two-day NBA draft"1. Toronto selected South Carolina forward Collin Murray-Boyles with the ninth overall pick Thursday2.
General manager Bobby Webster and other top executives received contract extensions and will remain with the organization, according to the announcement1. Pelley expressed confidence that "the team is in a strong, stable place" under Webster's leadership1.
Ujiri joined the Raptors as general manager in 2013 and was promoted to president in 20161. His boldest move came in 2018 when he traded franchise cornerstone DeMar DeRozan to acquire Kawhi Leonard from San Antonio, a decision that paid off with the 2019 NBA championship1.
Under Ujiri's leadership, Toronto made the playoffs seven straight seasons from 2013-14 to 2019-20 and won five Atlantic Division titles2. However, the team has struggled since that championship run, missing the playoffs in four of the past five years and finishing 30-52 this past season3.
The departure continues a pattern of leadership changes at MLSE. Brendan Shanahan was dismissed as Maple Leafs president last month, while Toronto FC and Argonauts president Bill Manning was let go last year1.
The moves come amid ownership changes at MLSE. Rogers Communications bought out Bell's stake last fall, giving Rogers majority control2. Reports suggested Ujiri had a "strained relationship" with Rogers chairman Edward Rogers III, who reportedly opposed Ujiri's 2021 contract extension2.
Marc Stein of The Stein Line reported in May that the Atlanta Hawks had shown interest in Ujiri for their president of basketball operations role2.
