Masai Ujiri, the esteemed architect behind the Toronto Raptors' 2019 NBA championship, has officially parted ways with the organization after a 13-year collaboration. The mutual decision, confirmed by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) President and CEO Keith Pelley, came after discussions a month prior, ensuring no disruption to the draft evaluation process. Pelley praised Ujiri's transformative impact on the Raptors, noting his role in bringing an NBA Championship to Toronto and inspiring the city. Ujiri, 54, had a distinguished career with the Raptors, serving as general manager before becoming president of basketball operations, and oversaw the acquisition of pivotal players like Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Fred VanVleet, leading to the franchise's historic title win over the Golden State Warriors.

Ujiri's departure marks the end of an era for Toronto, which has since entered a rebuilding phase, missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. The Raptors are now focused on building around a core of Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and Brandon Ingram. Ujiri's final acts included supervising the 2025 NBA Draft, where Toronto selected Collin Murray-Boyles ninth overall and Alijah Martin in the second round, picks that align with a strategy emphasizing high basketball IQ, defense, and positional flexibility. General manager Bobby Webster and assistant general manager Dan Tolzman, both recently extended, are set to continue shaping the roster, with Webster also a candidate for the newly vacant president position.

Despite his current availability, Ujiri is expected to be one of the most sought-after executives in the NBA, though he might take a season off. Speculation about his next move includes several high-profile possibilities. The Philadelphia 76ers, who previously tried to hire Ujiri in 2012, could be a destination, especially if current team president Daryl Morey's recent moves continue to disappoint, potentially reuniting Ujiri with Joel Embiid. The Dallas Mavericks are another possibility, as general manager Nico Harrison faces fan discontent, despite the team acquiring super-prospect Cooper Flagg. An unbalanced roster and persistent injury concerns for key players could lead to a leadership change there.

The Brooklyn Nets, with their collection of young talent and future draft assets, present an appealing opportunity if they decide to move on from general manager Sean Marks. Ujiri would have significant draft capital and the draw of a diverse, cosmopolitan city. Beyond existing teams, an unspecified NBA expansion team could entice Ujiri. With the league expected to expand following a massive media deal, any new franchise group would likely offer a substantial salary and possibly equity, giving Ujiri the unique chance to build a team from scratch with ample financial backing, appealing to the 2013 Executive of the Year.

Finally, Ujiri's deep commitment to basketball development in his native Africa, exemplified by his Giants Of Africa foundation and the Basketball Africa League (BAL), makes NBA Africa a strong contender for his next role. His efforts have already brought significant investment and talent scouting to the continent. This role, potentially involving former president Barack Obama as an investor, would allow Ujiri to work full-time on expanding basketball's reach and impact in Africa, an area he is passionate about. While he was briefly linked to the Atlanta Hawks, they have since moved on, hiring Onsi Saleh as their top basketball executive.