The Toronto Raptors have parted ways with vice-chairman and president Masai Ujiri, Sportsnet's Michael Grange confirmed on Friday.
Ujiri was entering the final year of a five-year contract that he signed back in 2021. The move comes just a day after the end of the NBA Draft and before free agency opens on June 30.
“During his 13 seasons with the Raptors, Masai has helped transform the organization on the court and has been an inspirational leader off it,” said MLSE president & CEO Keith Pelley 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. As we plan for the franchise’s future, and its return to the NBA Playoffs, a search for the successor as president of the Raptors, led by CAA Executive Search, will begin immediately.”
While the team searches for a president, key personnel, including general manager Bobby Webster, have signed contract extensions; however, no details were immediately available.
Webster will run the Raptors with Ujiri departing, the team said in a statement.
“We are confident that the Raptors organization, under the guidance of Bobby and his team, is in a great place,” Pelley said. “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. We feel the team is in a strong, stable place, and we believe the addition of a new president will continue to move the Raptors forward, towards our next NBA championship.”
ESPN's Shams Charania first reported the news.
The Raptors went 30-52 this past season and missed the playoffs for the third straight year.
The Raptors hired Ujiri as vice-president and general manager back in 2013 to replace Bryan Colangelo. He helped turn the team into a consistent playoff contender, making the playoffs in seven straight seasons.
In 2016, Ujiri was promoted to team president and turned over the role of general manager to Bobby Webster in 2017.
In 2019, Toronto would win its first NBA championship with Ujiri and the front office completing a franchise-altering trade bringing in Kawhi Leonard.
Ujiri is also the co-founder of Giants of Africa, an organization which uses sport as a tool to enrich the lives of youth on the continent and encourage them to dream big.
