Sep 30, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors Vice-Chairman and Team President Masai Ujiri speaks to the media during media day at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

'Great Things Come to an End' – Former Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri Breaks Silence on Departure From the Team

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 10:21 AM ET

The Toronto Raptors raised eyebrows when they decided to part ways with then-vice chairman and president Masai Ujiri, who led the franchise to its most successful era after building the team behind its lone NBA championship run in 2019.

In his recent appearance on Good Morning America, the former NBA Executive of the Year expressed gratitude for his fruitful stint with the Toronto Raptors.

“It’s been 12 incredible years with the Toronto Raptors, and I am so grateful and thankful for the opportunity,” Ujiri reflected. “Fans, my family, colleagues, coaches, players, the owners, everybody has been incredible to me. Toronto, I love you, and it’s a great pride and journey in my life. It’s time, and great things come to an end.”

Toronto Raptors president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri speaking in a press conference.Credit: Getty Images

“Now, it’s day to day with the family,” he answered when asked about what’s next for his career. “It’s a time to really look at it from the top, and I know there are great things coming.”

Toronto Raptors News: Jakob Poeltl signs massive four-year contract extension

Following Masai Ujiri’s dismissal, Toronto extended general manager Bobby Webster’s contract. Webster then proceeded to give Jakob Poeltl a four-year, $104 million contract extension, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Toronto Raptors: Masai Ujiri Has Eye-Opening Reaction After the Team's Disappointing Fall to 9th in the Draft Lottery 1 Mar 20, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

Poeltl is coming off a career year with the Toronto Raptors, having averaged 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks on 62.7 percent shooting from the field across 57 regular season games in 2024-25.

Toronto also signed free agent forward Sandro Mamukelashvili to a two-year, $5.5 million deal, which includes a $2.8 million player option in the second year.