Raptors part ways with longtime exec Masai Ujiri

After a long and successful run in the front office for the Toronto Raptors, Masai Ujiri has been relieved of his duties, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

Masai Ujiri is out as vice chairman and president after 13 seasons with the Toronto Raptors, the team announced on Friday.

A shocking turn of events after 13 seasons with the lone franchise in Canada. Ujiri has been considered one of the best executives in the NBA and is a key reason the team won its first NBA title a few years ago, with Kawhi Leonard leading the way.

Keith Pelley made the following statement about the team deciding to move on from the Raptors legend.

“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 & CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement. “He brought an NBA Championship to Toronto and urged us to believe in this city, and ourselves. We are grateful for all he has done and wish him and his family the very best.

“We are confident that the Raptors organization, under the guidance of Bobby and his team, is in a great place,” Pelley added. “They have a plan in place for next season and beyond as the team continues its rebuild, and we have confidence in their ability to execute and ultimately, to excel.”

It’ll be interesting to see where the Raptors go from here and if they can turn things around from the struggling franchise after a forgettable 2024-25 campaign.