The Toronto Raptors parted ways with executive Masai Ujiri, who won the NBA Championship.
Ujiri was the heart behind building the Raptors’ 2019 title-winning roster.
The timing is surprising, according to reports, but just a day after the 2025 NBA Draft, Ujiri had an “exploratory conversation” with the NBA team.
2012-13 The NBA Executive of the Year is a valuable asset for any team.
The Atlanta Hawks and their new front office are becoming very active, with a focus on drafts. The Hawks traded Christaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics before the first round to bolster the front court.
In the first round, Atlanta secured the first round pick of 2026 and the 23rd pick of 2025 with impressive hauls, and in return only gave up the 13th pick.
The Hawks are also interested in Nickaire Alexander Walker of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and have the opportunity to add one of the league’s brightest front office minds to the ranks.
Evan Sidery of Forbes posted to X that they were the team they should be watching.
“The Hawks are a team that closely monitors the pursuit of former Raptors executive Masai Ujiri,” Saidar.
“Atlanta has had an exploratory conversation with Ujiri this offseason, and now he’s free to join.”
Ujiri left an immortal influence on the Toronto Raptors. He helped bring their first championship by not only buying Leonard, but building the core of the team.
He drafted Siakam and OG Anunoby outside the lottery deep in the first round. Siakam is key to Pacer’s final and continues to influence the title candidates.
Fred Vanvleet, who is also the key to the Raptors’ 2019 playoff run, was picked up as an undrafted free agent by Ujiri, averaging 14.1 points per game on the 2-seed rocket this season.
Drafted in 2021, Scotty Burns has evolved into one of Toronto’s most influential players currently on the roster.
Leave that type of legacy and bring the Raptors their first NBA championship, adding an incredible heart to the front office for anyone who wins Ujiri.