According to ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania, the Toronto Raptors have parted ways with Vice Chairman and President Masai Ujiri. The former Raptors executive was entering the last year of his contract, going into his twelfth year with the franchise.
During his tenure with Toronto, Ujiri was a vital part of the 2019 team that won both the Eastern Conference title and the NBA championship. This marked the only time the Raptors had ever won an NBA title in their history, and fans of the franchise expressed their disapproval of the move.
Raptors Part Ways with President Masai Ujiri, Fans React
ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania reported today that the Toronto Raptors and Vice Chairman and President Masai Ujiri have parted ways. Ujiri was entering the final year of his contract with the team. Fans vented their disapproval of the decision.
I’m perplexed by the timing of this news. First of all, I think you should always do everything in your power to keep someone like Masai Ujiri.
Also … right after the NBA Draft?
— Chris Walder (@WalderSports) June 27, 2025
“Terrible timing! This is a decision that should have been made shortly after the conclusion of their season, so the new general manager has time to scout draft prospects and has full autonomy over the roster going into Free Agency. Unbelievable!” explained one Raptors fan.
Ujiri originally signed on to become the Raptors’ general manager in 2013. He was eventually replaced in that role by Jeff Weltman in 2016, who was then succeeded by the current GM, Bobby Webster, in 2017.
While many fans regarded Ujiri’s time with the Raptors as “overrated” and filled with controversy, there were also many fans who expressed their gratitude for the former general manager and president. They recognized his key role in Toronto’s basketball history.
Masai Ujiri who is a great but maybe one of the most OVERRATED GM’s in NBA history and the @Raptors have decided to part ways. pic.twitter.com/faH9BQh7CD
— Sports Fluent (@sports_fluent) June 27, 2025
During his time with the Toronto Raptors, Ujiri was a vital part of the 2019 team that won both the Conference title and the NBA title. This was the only time the Raptors had ever achieved an NBA championship. Fans expressed their gratitude for his tireless work in Toronto.
“Ujiri is the best ever Raps GM. A tireless worker with a great eye for talent and one of the most creative dealmakers. But he falls in love with his own guys and prioritizes talent over fit to a high degree. Maybe it was just time. Thanks, Masai,” one fan stated.
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Despite the recent shakeup in Toronto causing internal chaos following the 2025 NBA Draft, the former president is already looking ahead to his future. Reports indicate that the Atlanta Hawks are currently monitoring the situation following his exit.
“The Hawks are a team to closely monitor for a pursuit of former Raptors executive Masai Ujiri. Atlanta has been in exploratory conversations with Ujiri this offseason, and now he’s free to join,” shared Forbes’ NBA writer Evan Sidery following the announcement.
With Ujiri’s exit causing internal changes and fierce debate among fans of the organization, his legacy and impact on the Raptors will surely never be forgotten as the man who led them to their first NBA championship.
