Raptors Part Ways with Masai Ujiri After a Decade of Transformative Leadership

On June 28, the Toronto Raptors officially announced that Masai Ujiri was no longer serving as the team's vice-chairman and president, concluding a remarkable over ten years with the franchise, during which he played a pivotal role in securing the Raptors' first NBA championship. Ujiri was entering the final year of his contract when the decision was made to part ways, a move that had reportedly been in discussion for the previous month, according to Keith Pelley, the president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

In an emotional farewell posted on his Giants of Africa channel, Ujiri thanked the Raptors organization, fans, and players—both past and present—for their support. He expressed his deep connection to Toronto, stating that it has become the only home his children know, and he referred to it as his home multiple times, emphasizing the strong bond he feels with the city and its people.

Having joined the Raptors as general manager in 2013, Ujiri viewed this opportunity as a means to shift the team’s culture towards success. He celebrated the franchise's journey, reflecting on memorable moments while highlighting the efforts of key players like Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, alongside the successes of the 2018-19 championship team.

Ujiri also hinted at his ongoing commitment to basketball in Toronto, expressing excitement about the Toronto Tempo's upcoming debut in the WNBA. He assured fans that he would continue to pursue his passion for basketball wherever it may lead him, maintaining aspirations for further championships in the future.