The 2025 NBA offseason delivered a major shakeup when the Toronto Raptors made an unexpected decision.
Masai Ujiri, the executive architect behind the franchise’s historic championship run, has been released despite having one year remaining on his contract.
The move ends a remarkable 13-year tenure that transformed the Raptors from playoff hopefuls into champions.
Ujiri’s bold decision to trade for Kawhi Leonard ultimately delivered Toronto its first NBA title in 2019, creating a legacy that will endure long after his departure from the organization.
With Ujiri now available, the speculation machine has kicked into high gear.
Bovada has already released betting odds on his next destination, with the Atlanta Hawks emerging as the early frontrunner at +400 odds.
Masai Ujiri Next Team Odds 🚨
Atlanta Hawks +400
Denver Nuggets +500
Brooklyn Nets +600
Los Angeles Lakers +600
Dallas Mavericks +750
Chicago Bulls +900
Sacramento Kings +1400
Any Euro League Team +1800
Any CBA Team +2500 pic.twitter.com/DnRvZhAyWe— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) June 27, 2025
The potential pairing makes considerable sense from multiple angles.
Ujiri’s executive resume speaks for itself, highlighted by his ability to balance aggressive trades with patient player development.
The Leonard acquisition stands as the crown jewel, but his work nurturing talents like Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes demonstrates his comprehensive approach to roster construction.
Atlanta presents an appealing canvas for Ujiri’s next chapter.
The Hawks possess an exciting foundation centered around Trae Young and recent lottery selection Zaccharie Risacher.
The franchise also controls valuable draft assets and maintains salary cap flexibility, providing the resources necessary for meaningful roster upgrades.
The Denver Nuggets sit at +500 odds, offering potential emotional appeal given Ujiri’s previous stint in their front office.
The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers follow at +600, while the Dallas Mavericks check in at +750, and the Chicago Bulls round out the list at +900.
Each destination offers unique advantages, but Atlanta’s combination of young talent, front office vacancy, and organizational stability creates the most attractive immediate opportunity for Ujiri’s proven executive formula.
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