In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA and especially across Canada, Masai Ujiri has been fired as Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors. After more than a decade of bold decisions, historic wins, and a cultural shift that brought respect and credibility to basketball north of the border, Ujiri’s time leading the Raptors has officially come to an end.
The decision, announced just one day after the NBA Draft, marks a turning point for the franchise. While recent seasons have seen disappointing records and playoff absences, Ujiri’s legacy remains unmatched in Raptors history. He helped build a championship team, established the Raptors as a respected global brand, and played a pivotal role in transforming the culture of basketball in Toronto and beyond.
Masai’s Legacy: From Scout to Franchise Architect
Masai Ujiri’s journey to NBA executive stardom began far from the spotlight. Starting as an unpaid scout, he worked his way through the ranks with persistence and a visionary approach to basketball. When he took over the Raptors front office in 2013, the team had never reached the NBA Finals and had only made fleeting postseason appearances.
Ujiri quickly changed that narrative. His early moves showed he wasn’t afraid to shake things up. One of his first major decisions was trading Rudy Gay — a move that stunned fans but resulted in better team chemistry and opened the door for key contributors to step up. He doubled down on culture, character, and development, traits that became hallmarks of the Raptors’ identity.
Draft Day Genius and Development Focus
During his tenure, Ujiri drafted and developed several cornerstones of the franchise. Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, and Scottie Barnes all became Raptors through his leadership. He valued work ethic, versatility, and team-first mentality over hype and marketability. His front office fostered one of the NBA’s most successful development pipelines, including the launch of Raptors 905, the team’s G-League affiliate, in 2015.
Under Ujiri, the Raptors didn’t just scout talent — they built it. Many players emerged from obscurity to become All-Stars or reliable contributors. Toronto became a destination for developing elite talent, and other franchises took notice.
The Championship Gamble: Kawhi Leonard Trade
Nothing defined Masai’s era more than the bold trade in the summer of 2018 that sent fan-favorite DeMar DeRozan to the Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green. The trade was a massive risk. Leonard had only one year remaining on his contract and was coming off a major injury. But Ujiri had one goal: win a championship.
And he did.
With Leonard anchoring the roster, the Raptors dominated the 2018–2019 season. Ujiri continued to tweak the team mid-season by acquiring veteran center Marc Gasol, adding leadership and playoff experience. These moves culminated in a dramatic postseason run that ended with the Raptors defeating the Golden State Warriors in six games to win their first NBA Championship.
“We are the champions and nobody can take that away from us.” Source
The championship run validated every decision Masai had made — from the controversial trades to the emphasis on development and character. He had built a team that could compete with the NBA’s best and come out on top. The victory wasn’t just a sports win — it was a cultural moment for Canada.
It wasn’t all sunshine and roses though, remember the security tussle not letting him on the floor after the big win? Ugh.
Life After Kawhi: Rebuilding and Reinventing
When Kawhi Leonard left for the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency, Ujiri resisted the urge to blow up the roster. Instead, he doubled down on his development model. Pascal Siakam emerged as an All-Star. Fred VanVleet became a leader and eventually signed a historic deal elsewhere, a testament to the success of Ujiri’s system.
The Raptors remained competitive, even finishing second in the East during the COVID-shortened 2019–2020 season. But the next few years brought challenges — injuries, relocations, and the aging of core players. Ujiri began steering the team into a new direction with younger talent like Scottie Barnes, who won Rookie of the Year in 2022.
Through it all, Ujiri maintained a long-term vision. His belief in the team’s infrastructure and his steady hand made him a figure of confidence and credibility, even when the win-loss record wavered.
A Global Vision and a Moral Voice
Beyond wins and losses, Ujiri’s influence stretched across the globe. As a Nigerian-born executive, he championed basketball in Africa, spearheaded outreach programs, and used his platform to push for social justice and inclusion. He was instrumental in establishing the “Basketball Without Borders” initiative and brought global awareness to Toronto’s brand.
He also took brave stances during times of crisis. During the racial justice protests of 2020, Ujiri publicly advocated for reform and accountability. He wasn’t just an executive; he was a leader in every sense of the word — in sports, business, and society.
Recent Struggles and the Tipping Point
Still, even legends aren’t immune to results. Over the last three seasons, the Raptors failed to make the playoffs. A combination of questionable draft picks, injuries, and inconsistent coaching led to a downward trend. The 2024–2025 season ended with a 30–52 record — one of the worst in recent memory.
Frustration mounted. Fans grew restless. And MLSE, known for being cautious with executive decisions, decided a change was necessary. With one year left on his contract, Ujiri was let go as President of Basketball Operations.
“There was a growing sense that the team needed a fresh direction and a new voice.” Source
The timing was notable — immediately following the draft — indicating that ownership likely wanted to reset the vision before free agency and Summer League. General Manager Bobby Webster will remain with the team and is expected to lead the next phase of the rebuild.
How Fans and the League Reacted
The reaction was swift and emotional. Across Toronto, fans expressed heartbreak and disbelief. For many, Masai Ujiri wasn’t just an executive — he was a symbol of excellence, pride, and hope. Social media flooded with tributes, and even rival executives acknowledged his contributions to the league.
Former players praised his leadership, with some noting that they wouldn’t have become stars without the faith he placed in them. Coaches, media, and even political leaders weighed in, thanking him for elevating Canadian basketball to a global stage.
The Future of the Raptors
The Raptors now face a pivotal moment. With Masai gone, the organization must decide what kind of franchise it wants to be moving forward. Will they prioritize internal development, make a big free agent splash, or embrace a full rebuild?
All eyes are now on Bobby Webster and the remaining front office staff to chart the course. While they have solid pieces in Scottie Barnes and a few young prospects, the identity of the team will inevitably shift. Masai’s influence will linger — but his era is now officially over.
What Masai Ujiri Leaves Behind
Masai Ujiri’s departure doesn’t erase his accomplishments. Under his leadership, the Raptors went from a mid-market team without an identity to NBA champions. He changed the perception of Toronto across the basketball world. He made it a destination. He taught fans to believe. And he made winning — real, banner-hanging winning — possible.
He leaves behind a model that other franchises now study. His strategies in scouting, player development, and team-building are widely considered best-in-class. He empowered coaches, believed in his staff, and stayed true to his values even when the pressure mounted.
His championship season will be remembered forever, but so too will his boldness, his voice, and his unwavering belief in what Toronto could be — and what it became.
Conclusion
Masai Ujiri’s firing marks the end of an unforgettable chapter in Raptors history. His tenure wasn’t perfect, but it was extraordinary. He took risks, built a champion, and made the Raptors matter not just in the NBA, but across the world. He exits with his head held high, a championship ring on his finger, and the eternal gratitude of a fanbase he helped transform.
Where he goes next is unclear — but wherever it is, the basketball world will be watching. And in Toronto, the banners he helped raise will continue to speak for his legacy, long after he’s gone.