I know most Raptors fans are still reeling over the fact that Masai Ujiri is no longer with us, and while the impact of that hit is already a lot to take in, I hate to be the bearer of worse news: it effectively rules out any possibility of Giannis Antetokounmpo jumping ship to Toronto.
Raptors' loss of Masai Ujiri drastically dims Giannis trade hopes
For a hot minute, it seemed like the Raptors were gaining serious momentum in the Giannis trade sweepstakes, especially as conversations ramped up — many pointing to Masai Ujiri's close connection to the "Greek Freak" as a key factor in a possible Toronto-Antetokounmpo pairing. I even touched on this in a piece reacting to the buzzing trade rumors.
The Raptors had an advantage beyond the usual deciding factors, such as being a desirable market, having an obvious winning roster, monetary flexibility, or other typical perks: Ujiri and Antetokounmpo go way back, and the basketball executive’s influence on Giannis’ life was significant.
I don't know if I can honestly say Toronto had a strong chance to snag Giannis. Heck, just look at where we are with those rumors now — it seems the Bucks and Antetokounmpo will still try to maximize their remaining competitive window. For a while, it seemed inevitable that Giannis would be shipped off elsewhere, but maybe that was all a smokescreen.
Even in the uncertain realm of the NBA trade rumor mill, realistic hypotheticals were being floated, and in Toronto's case, I would've pointed to the two's connection as a strong reason to believe Giannis might at least entertain the idea of joining, especially under a Masai-led recruiting campaign. For now, especially with Toronto reeling over such a dramatic turn of events in their front office, the grand Giannis hopes seem all but dead.
Or are they?
Here’s where things get a little interesting — perhaps a bit of optimism to lift the hopes of an already saddened fanbase.
Antetokounmpo's agent, Alex Saratsis of the Octagon Basketball talent representation agency, has been floated as a potential candidate to take over Toronto's open team president role — according to veteran Raptors insider Michael Grange of Sportsnet — in light of Ujiri’s abrupt firing.
Saratsis previously represented ex-Raptors defensive standout OG Anunoby (who later left to join Klutch Sports) and currently has underrated Raptors wing Ochai Agbaji on the Octagon roster.
Saratsis has already been mentioned in the Atlanta Hawks' search for a team president, which could realistically put him in the running for Toronto’s pursuit of their open position. Filling the big shoes Ujiri left behind won't be easy, but given his close ties to Antetokounmpo, it could breathe new life into this grandiose vision in Raptor Nation.