The Toronto Raptors have parted ways with their team president, Masai Ujiri, after his 13-year tenure with the franchise. Ujiri, who oversaw the Raptors’ 2019 NBA championship, will no longer be part of the organization. The decision came after the NBA Draft concluded, with Ujiri having asked for the opportunity to step down following the event.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley acknowledged Ujiri’s contributions, stating, “During his 13 seasons with the Raptors, Masai has helped transform the organization on the court and has been an inspirational leader off it.” Pelley emphasized the importance of Ujiri’s work in bringing the championship to Toronto and noted the team’s gratitude for his service.
Despite Ujiri’s departure, the Raptors have retained other key members of the front office, including general manager Bobby Webster, who has received a contract extension. Pelley expressed confidence in Webster’s leadership as the team navigates its rebuild. “We are confident that the Raptors organization, under the guidance of Bobby and his team, is in a great place,” Pelley said.
Pelley also addressed the timing of Ujiri’s departure, explaining that the two had discussed his exit more than a month ago. Ujiri requested that any transition occur after the draft, which the team agreed to, to avoid disrupting the process. “He’s prolific when it comes to the draft,” Pelley said, adding that Ujiri’s expertise was crucial in the team’s strategy for the draft.
As the Raptors move forward in the search for a new team president, the organization will now focus on the NBA’s free agency period, which begins on Monday. Toronto’s recent performance has been challenging, with the team winning only 30 games last season and failing to reach the playoffs for the past three years. Ujiri’s departure marks the end of an era for the Raptors, who now look to rebuild and find new success under new leadership.
Ujiri’s career in the NBA began with the Denver Nuggets, where he was named general manager in 2011. He joined the Raptors in 2013, and his work culminated in the 2019 championship win. With his exit, the Raptors will now face the significant task of finding a successor to lead the franchise into the future.
As the Raptors prepare for the next chapter in their history, the team’s focus will be on developing young talent, improving their roster, and ensuring they can compete in the highly competitive NBA landscape. The decision to part ways with Ujiri highlights the ongoing challenges of managing a franchise in the modern era, where strategic changes are often necessary for long-term success.