The Toronto Raptors have parted ways with NBA Championship-winning executive Masai Ujiri.
Ujiri was the mind behind constructing the Raptors’ 2019 title-winning roster, which included Kawhi Leonard and Pascal Siakam.
The timing is surprising, just one day after the 2025 NBA Draft, but Ujiri has held “exploratory conversations” with an NBA team this offseason, according to reports.
The 2012-13 NBA Executive of the Year would be a valuable asset to any team.
The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly interested in Masai Ujiri
The Atlanta Hawks and their new front office have been extremely active around the draft. The Hawks traded for Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics before the first round to bolster their frontcourt.
During the first round, Atlanta secured the Pelicans’ 2026 first round pick and 2025 23rd pick in an impressive haul, giving up only the 13th pick in return.
The Hawks have an interest in Nickeil Alexander-Walker from the Minnesota Timberwolves, too, and they now have the chance to add one of the brightest front office minds in the league to their ranks.
Evan Sidery from Forbes posted to X that they were the team to watch.
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 potentially join. pic.twitter.com/A975Pegv6X
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 27, 2025
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“The Hawks are a team to closely monitor for a pursuit of former Raptors executive Masai Ujiri,” said Sidery.
“Atlanta has been in exploratory conversations with Ujiri this offseason, and now he’s free to potentially join.”
Masai Ujiri’s title-winning legacy with Toronto Raptors
Ujiri left an immortal impact on the Toronto Raptors. He helped to bring them their first championship, not only through the acquisition of Leonard, but by building the core of the team.
He drafted Siakam and OG Anunoby outside of the lottery, deep in the first round. Siakam was key to the Pacers’ finals run, continuing to make an impact on title contenders.
Fred VanVleet, who was also key to the Raptors’ 2019 playoff run, was picked up as an undrafted free agent by Ujiri and averaged 14.1 points per game for the two-seed Rockets this season.
Scottie Barnes, drafted in 2021, has developed into one of Toronto’s most impactful players currently on their roster.
Leaving behind that type of legacy, and delivering the Raptors their first NBA championship, whoever acquires Ujiri will add an incredible mind to their front office.