{"id":147521,"date":"2025-06-28T08:21:44","date_gmt":"2025-06-28T12:21:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=147521"},"modified":"2025-06-28T08:21:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-28T12:21:44","slug":"masai-ujiri-linked-to-eastern-rival-plus-other-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/06\/28\/masai-ujiri-linked-to-eastern-rival-plus-other-options\/","title":{"rendered":"Masai Ujiri Linked To Eastern Rival Plus Other Options"},"content":{"rendered":"

TORONTO<\/strong> \u2013 Masai Ujiri ends<\/a> a 13-year run that delivered eight playoff trips and a championship to Toronto<\/a>. He engineered the daring Kawhi Leonard<\/a> trade that won the 2019 title. Now free with the draft behind him, Masai Ujiri can explore his options before training camp begins in months.<\/p>\n

Masai Ujiri Linked To Eastern Rival Plus Other Options<\/h2>\n

A Legacy Built on Bold Moves<\/h3>\n

Ujiri transformed the Raptors from lottery also-rans into perennial contenders. He outmaneuvered expectations in 2018 by trading DeMar DeRozan<\/a>, Jakob Poeltl<\/a> and a first-round pick for\u00a0Leonard. That calculated risk paid off, as Toronto beat the Warriors<\/a> in six games to capture their first NBA crown. Over 12 seasons, Ujiri posted a 545\u2013419 record and made eight playoff appearances. His tenure redefined Canadian basketball.<\/p>\n

Perfect (Somewhat) Timing to Plot Next Move<\/h3>\n

Ujiri\u2019s exit doesn’t come at an ideal moment but the situation is salvageable. With the draft complete and training camp months away, he enjoys a clear runway. However, free agency opens at 6 p.m. ET on June 30, giving him little time to secure a job and then negotiate trades or signings. NBA front offices usually settle leadership roles well before training camp.<\/p>\n

Hawks Emerge as Primary Contender<\/h3>\n
\"Masai
Sep 30, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto Raptors vice chairman and team president Masai Ujiri talks to the media during media day at Scotiabank Area. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some insiders predict the Atlanta Hawks will top Ujiri\u2019s wish list. Evan Sidery of Forbes<\/em> noted via X, \u201cThe 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\u2019s free to potentially join.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The Hawks are a team to closely monitor for a pursuit of former Raptors executive Masai Ujiri.<\/p>\n

Atlanta has been in exploratory conversations with Ujiri this offseason, and now he\u2019s free to potentially join. pic.twitter.com\/A975Pegv6X<\/a><\/p>\n

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 27, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n