The Toronto Raptors parted ways with the architect of their 2019 title team, Masai Ujiri, on Friday. After 12 seasons with Toronto, the 54-year-old Ujiri should be one of the most sought-after executives in the NBA, Although he may take the upcoming season off, here are five possibilities for Ujiri’s next stop.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers tried to hire Ujiri back in 2012, but he chose to stay at his previous job with the Denver Nuggets. The Sixers have a famous team president in Daryl Morey running their club who is signed for three more seasons, but his moves last summer backfired, headlined by giving Paul George a four-year maximum contract.
The Sixers’ lottery luck got them the No. 3 pick and guard V.J. Edgecombe, but the pressure is on this season for a team that went into the 2024-25 season with title aspirations and finished with a 24-58 record. If the Sixers disappoint again next season, Ujiri could be reunited with his friend Joel Embiid in Philly.
2. Dallas Mavericks
Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison is not very popular with Dallas fans. Despite the Mavericks getting super-prospect Cooper Flagg with the top pick, fans at the team’s draft watch party still chanted, “Fire Nico!” while the team was on the clock.
