Masai Ujiri. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Raptors make shocking change following NBA Draft

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 9:56 AM ET

The Toronto Raptors have made a shocking change in the wake of the NBA Draft.

Longtime executive Masai Ujiri and the Raptors have decided to part ways, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Friday.

Ujiri had been entering the final year of his contract.

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and Masai Ujiri have decided to part ways, as Ujiri was entering the final year of his contract, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/PtCKLdJvxC
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2025

The timing is a huge surprise, as front-office changes of that magnitude are typically made immediately after the season. The Raptors kept Ujiri through the draft, where they selected former South Carolina star Collin Murray-Boyles with the No. 9 overall pick and former Florida guard Alijah Martin in the second round.

Murray-Boyles did not seem to be happy about getting drafted by Toronto.

Ujiri had been with the Raptors since 2013. He is widely viewed as one of the best executives in basketball and helped the team win an NBA title in 2019 with a blockbuster trade to land Kawhi Leonard.

Ujiri also had a successful tenure with the Denver Nuggets and was named NBA Executive of the Year with the team prior to being hired as general manager of the Raptors.

Several teams have expressed interest in Ujiri over the years, so it is possible the 54-year-old already has another job lined up.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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