The Toronto Raptors were uncharacteristically poor this season, but president Masai Ujiri has rightfully escaped criticism, as Toronto’s struggles lie in the fact that they were playing their home games in Florida amid a global pandemic.
Ujiri, who has built the Raptors into a champion since leaving his role with the Denver Nuggets, saw his contract expire at the end of this season. Despite his pivotal role in building this team up, Toronto hasn’t been able to escape the thought of him potentially leaving for a team like the Washington Wizards.
The latest rumors, luckily, should ease the concerns of a panicked fanbase that is worried he could leave them at the altar. It sounds like Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment want Ujiri back next year.
A source close to the situation told Michael Grange of Sportsnet that there is mounting confidence Ujiri will sign a new contract, citing their unwavering belief in his quality as a general manager as the main reason a deal could get done soon.
The largest single question looming over the Raptors will be answered soon.
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 17, 2021
And there is mounting confidence that there is a clear path for Masai Ujiri to stay with the organization.
(Via @michaelgrange)https://t.co/volExfBemR
"“Masai doesn’t share a lot; he’s very private and strategic in his own way,” said the source “But if you were asking ‘Are they going to sign Masai?’ I would put it at 95 per cent yes.”"
Will the Toronto Raptors bring back Masai Ujiri?
Who better to drag the Raptors out of this mess than Ujiri? Not only will he have a war chest of draft picks that could be used to rebuild this team, but he will have plenty of cap space needed to sign complementary pieces.
With Kyle Lowry likely leaving in free agency after this season, Ujiri has more experience than anyone with navigating difficult situations like this and turning the franchise around, as he did in Denver. We all like Bobby Webster, but now is not the time to start the transition away from Ujiri.
Toronto was so banged up that Stanley Johnson led the team in games played, several stars struggled as they returned from COVID-19, and they didn’t play a true home game all year. Why would you let Webster, without Ujiri to lean on, try to drag Toronto out of this mess due to some contract disputes?
The Raptors know that losing Ujiri would bring about a ripple effect that could potentially ruin this franchise, and they should make sure he is brought back as soon as possible before moving forward with their plans in free agency or the draft.