Latest news with #MasaiUjiri
National Post
02-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Raptors? Breaking down likelihood of blockbuster deal for Bucks star
The Giannis Antetokounmpo-to-Toronto trade rumours are in their 12th year and might not die down until the phenom either plays for the Raptors or retires. Article content Article content Back in 2013, Masai Ujiri, then freshly installed as the boss of the Raptors, had more interest in the rail-thin, ultra-raw, but ultra-intriguing teenager than nearly any other team executive, but couldn't close a deal to get into the draft to select him in the late lottery. Article content Antetokounmpo kept growing, kept getting better and ultimately led the Milwaukee Bucks to a title while wining a pair of NBA MVP awards and nearly every other award you could think of. Article content Toronto has tried to keep its powder dry on at least a couple of occasions salary cap-wise when Antetokounmpo was approaching free agency, only to see the Bucks twice sign him to new deals. Article content But now Milwaukee is in bad shape, competitively speaking. Antetokounmpo's running mate, fellow NBA 75th Anniversary Team member Damian Lillard, will soon turn 35 and just tore his Achilles. The team doesn't have a good enough roster to make any noise, lacking prospects and draft picks, so the speculation is the extremely competitive Antetokounmpo and the franchise will be heading for a split at some point as he chases another championship. Article content Well-respected ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst caused a stir this weekend when he said on his Hoop Collective Podcast that Toronto is looking to make a major move this off-season and is trying to land a 'big fish.' Article content On a recent episode of The Hoop Collective, ESPN's @WindhorstESPN said he's heard the Raptors are expected to be in the mix for major names this offseason. (via @espn) — TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 1, 2025
National Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
MLSE boss Keith Pelley dodges questions about future of Raptors and Masai Ujiri
On a day aimed to be almost entirely about Toronto's hockey team following the departure of its president, perhaps it's not surprising that not much was said about Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment's basketball team. Article content Article content MLSE president Keith Pelley mostly spoke Friday about post-Brendan Shanahan life for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but in doing so, he revealed that the club's president would not be replaced. Article content Article content The conglomerate parted ways with Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts president Bill Manning last July, but did not name a new president for either franchise. Respective general managers Jason Hernandez and Michael 'Pinball' Clemons are in charge there. Article content Pelley said Friday that Leafs general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube would work alongside himself, with Pelley acting as a 'sounding board.' Article content 'I'm not looking to replace Brendan,' Pelley said. 'I'm looking to work more closely with Brad and Craig.' Article content Article content Which brings us to the Raptors. Article content Team president and vice chairman Masai Ujiri has one year remaining on his latest contract, per Sportsnet, and he's now MLSE's lone remaining president, having first been given the job of general manager and executive vice-president of the Raptors in May of 2013. He became president in 2016. Article content Pelley didn't provide any clarity on his future when asked about how MLSE's structural and ownership changes (Rogers is set to take over 75% of the operation shortly and perhaps all by next summer when it can buy out Larry Tanenbaum, a staunch Ujiri supporter) would impact the Raptors and Ujiri. Article content Article content 'I think the Raptors under Masai Ujiri have obviously not only won a championship, but have started the rebuild and I'm optimistic about the season ahead,' Pelley said. Article content Article content For his part, Ujiri consistently has said he wants to stay in Toronto and lead the Raptors to a second NBA title. Article content 'My expectations for next season is we continue to grow. But the end goal for me is how do we win a championship? That's always going to be the end goal and how do you build and grow towards that,' Ujiri said at season-ending media availability in April. Article content 'I don't see anything (changing),' Ujiri said. 'It's unique that people kind of see it as new, but it's almost kind of the same being that we have had Edward Rogers and Tony (Staffieri, CEO of Rogers) and these guys for how many years I've been here, so no relationships have changed. Article content 'Everything has been normal. I think having a unique CEO like Keith, like that, really takes on the leadership and really communicates with all the team and sees the growth of all the teams.
National Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Don't bet on Masai Ujiri bailing on Raptors despite interest from Atlanta Hawks
The Toronto Raptors aren't often big players in the NBA's rumour mill, but once in a while the spotlight shines on them. Article content Article content Right now is one of those times, with rumours once again connecting the franchise to superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and another popping up that team president Masai Ujiri is being courted by the Atlanta Hawks. Article content Long-time NBA insider Marc Stein reported on his Substack 'The Stein Line' Wednesday: 'The Atlanta Hawks have interest in trying to hire Toronto's Masai Ujiri as their new president of basketball operations, league sources tell The Stein Line. Article content 'It was not immediately clear, league sources say, what sort of shot Atlanta has at prizing Ujiri away from the Raptors.' Article content The Hawks fired ex-Raptor Landry Fields as general manager last month and hired Onsi Saleh as his replacement. Saleh, who was born in Texas but grew up in Edmonton and went to the University of Alberta, has a background in basketball strategy and the team is looking for an experienced president to run all operations. Article content Article content Ujiri certainly would fit the bill and, while his latest contract extension with the Raptors has been reported by Sportsnet to end after next season, it seems highly unlikely that he would leave for anything less than an absolutely plum job, if at all. Article content That's not Atlanta, a franchise that has missed the playoffs two straight years, has two conference final appearances and has not reached the NBA Finals since 1971. Article content Asked by Postmedia at his season-ending media availability in April about looming ownership changes at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (Rogers Communications is in the process of closing its buyout of Bell Canada's ownership stake and co-owner Larry Tanenbaum can be bought out in the near future, per multiple reports), Ujiri said he had no concerns. Article content Article content 'I don't see anything (changing),' Ujiri said. 'It's unique that people kind of see it as new, but it's almost kind of the same being that we have had Edward Rogers and Tony (Staffieri, CEO of Rogers) and these guys for how many years I've been here, so no relationships have changed. Article content Article content 'Everything has been normal. I think having a unique CEO like Keith (Pelley, the new MLSE boss), like that, really takes on the leadership and really communicates with all the team and sees the growth of all the teams. Article content 'It's different in some kind of way, but it's what you want in the organization. So I've had the same relationships with all these people. Keith was new, but it's honestly been great, but it's been the same relationship and being the same way and the same communication, which I am happy about.' Article content Teams have sought out Ujiri in the past. The Washington Wizards made a pitch that was reported by former NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski seemingly minutes after the Ujiri-built Raptors won the 2019 NBA title. Article content In 2020, just before the start of the pandemic, Wojnarowski reported again that New York Knicks owner James Dolan's 'dream' had been to land Ujiri. Howard Beck, then of Bleacher Report, said Dolan was 'enamoured' with Ujiri and SNY's Ian Begley said people within the organization were 'obsessed' with him.
Toronto Sun
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Don't bet on Masai Ujiri bailing on Raptors despite interest from Atlanta Hawks
CHARLEBOIS: Forget 'Elbows Up,' it's 'Wallets Out' for Canadian consumers SIMMONS: Maple Leafs are done like dinner in series with Panthers Leafs fans, former NHL stars tear apart team after 'embarrassing' Game 5 loss to Panthers Don't bet on Masai Ujiri bailing on Raptors despite interest from Atlanta Hawks He's invested in the rebuild and in returning his staff in Toronto. Get the latest from Ryan Wolstat straight to your inbox Sign Up Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun Article content The Toronto Raptors aren't often big players in the NBA's rumour mill, but once in a while the spotlight shines on them. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account or Sign in without password View more offers Article content Article content tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Don't bet on Masai Ujiri bailing on Raptors despite interest from Atlanta Hawks Back to video tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Play Video Article content Right now is one of those times, with rumours once again connecting the franchise to superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and another popping up that team president Masai Ujiri is being courted by the Atlanta Hawks. Long-time NBA insider Marc Stein reported on his Substack 'The Stein Line' Wednesday: 'The Atlanta Hawks have interest in trying to hire Toronto's Masai Ujiri as their new president of basketball operations, league sources tell The Stein Line. 'It was not immediately clear, league sources say, what sort of shot Atlanta has at prizing Ujiri away from the Raptors.' The Hawks fired ex-Raptor Landry Fields as general manager last month and hired Onsi Saleh as his replacement. Saleh, who was born in Texas but grew up in Edmonton and went to the University of Alberta, has a background in basketball strategy and the team is looking for an experienced president to run all operations. Your Midday Sun Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Article content Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Play Video Ujiri certainly would fit the bill and, while his latest contract extension with the Raptors has been reported by Sportsnet to end after next season, it seems highly unlikely that he would leave for anything less than an absolutely plum job, if at all. That's not Atlanta, a franchise that has missed the playoffs two straight years, has two conference final appearances and has not reached the NBA Finals since 1971. Asked by Postmedia at his season-ending media availability in April about looming ownership changes at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (Rogers Communications is in the process of closing its buyout of Bell Canada's ownership stake and co-owner Larry Tanenbaum can be bought out in the near future, per multiple reports), Ujiri said he had no concerns. Advertisement 4 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content 'I don't see anything (changing),' Ujiri said. 'It's unique that people kind of see it as new, but it's almost kind of the same being that we have had Edward Rogers and Tony (Staffieri, CEO of Rogers) and these guys for how many years I've been here, so no relationships have changed. 'Everything has been normal. I think having a unique CEO like Keith (Pelley, the new MLSE boss), like that, really takes on the leadership and really communicates with all the team and sees the growth of all the teams. 'It's different in some kind of way, but it's what you want in the organization. So I've had the same relationships with all these people. Keith was new, but it's honestly been great, but it's been the same relationship and being the same way and the same communication, which I am happy about.' Advertisement 5 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Teams have sought out Ujiri in the past. The Washington Wizards made a pitch that was reported by former NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski seemingly minutes after the Ujiri-built Raptors won the 2019 NBA title. In 2020, just before the start of the pandemic, Wojnarowski reported again that New York Knicks owner James Dolan's 'dream' had been to land Ujiri. Howard Beck, then of Bleacher Report, said Dolan was 'enamoured' with Ujiri and SNY's Ian Begley said people within the organization were 'obsessed' with him. Ujiri ended up re-signing with the Raptors in August of 2021 days after the team surprisingly drafted Scottie Barnes fourth overall, a move that has aged extremely well. Both Washington and New York pivoted and made hires that have proven wise to lead their franchises (though Washington is in the building stage). Advertisement 6 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Ujiri has since overseen a rebuild of the franchise for the first time since his hiring in 2013, with stalwarts Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby dealt away and Fred VanVleet departing via free agency. The team has struggled through two rough seasons but accelerated the pace of the rebuild by trading for former all-star Brandon Ingram in February and hopes to add another key piece with the ninth pick of next month's NBA draft. It has been well-reported that Edward Rogers had some questions about giving Ujiri a significant bump last time around, but multiple sources have told Postmedia that any friction between the two has been overstated and it was just 'business.' Ujiri has talked constantly of his desire to bring another championship to Toronto. Advertisement 7 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content 'My expectations for next season is we continue to grow. But the end goal for me is how do we win a championship? That's always going to be the end goal and how do you build and grow towards that,' he said in April. He also has discussed Toronto's competitive advantages. 'We are the only team that's outside the United States in the NBA and I believe it's a unique opportunity, and it's going to be an incredibly unique opportunity in the years to come,' he said last month. Read More Raptors boss Masai Ujiri on titles, tanking, drafting, Brandon Ingram and more Several top draft prospects linked to Raptors with NBA lottery in the books Finally, Ujiri didn't sound like someone with one foot out the door when he added he was working on new deals for the rest of his management team, which is led by general manager Bobby Webster and assistant general manager Dan Tolzman. 'I'm working on it now. All of them. Everybody. It's a focus for me,' Ujiri said. As for the Giannis intrigue? Ujiri has pursued him plenty of times in the past and would love to land the Bucks superstar, but it's hard to see the Raptors coming up with a package better than the ones other teams can offer now that Toronto fell to ninth in the draft. 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Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hawks Reportedly Interested in 1x Champion Executive
The Atlanta Hawks are exploring their options in finding a replacement for a new president of basketball operations. After the 2024-25 NBA season, the Hawks let Landry Fields go after five years of being the organization's general manager. Following that, the team promoted Onsi Saleh as the replacement for Fields. Still, they'll need someone new to take over the role of team president. One of Atlanta's biggest prospects for the position is Masai Ujiri. He's been the longtime executive for the Toronto Raptors and has made significant moves to make the franchise a success. Advertisement According to Marc Stein, the Hawks have taken an interest in acquiring the Raptors' vice chairman and president. Toronto Raptors Vice-Chairman and Team President Masai Ujiri speaks to the mediaJohn E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images Amid the Hawks' search for a new executive, there have been reports that the franchise aims to "hire a top, experienced executive." "The Atlanta Hawks have interest in trying to hire Toronto's Masai Ujiri as their new president of basketball operations, league sources tell The Stein Line. It was not immediately clear, league sources say, what sort of shot Atlanta has at prizing Ujiri away from the league's lone Canadian franchise," Stein reported. Ujiri took charge of one of the league's best trades. He traded the Raptors' best player (at the time), DeMar DeRozan, for San Antonio Spurs star Kawhi Leonard. Although Leonard only played in Toronto for one season, it turned out to be fruitful after they won the 2019 NBA Championship over the Golden State Warriors. Advertisement Since then, Ujiri has made respectable moves over the seasons, like drafting Scottie Barnes and trading for RJ Barrett. However, the executive has not given any indication about potentially leaving Toronto. Related: Hawks Veteran Has Positive Prediction on Rookie Forward's NBA Career
