Ex-Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard linking up with Masai Ujiri again

Two of the most iconic figures in Toronto Raptors history are linking up in the near future.

As announced today, former Raptors star Kawhi Leonard will be taking part in the Giants of Africa Festival taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, later this month, an event run by the charitable foundation co-founded by former Raptors president Masai Ujiri.

According to the release, Leonard will “mentor youth campers, open a new basketball court in partnership with Giants of Africa at St. Ignatius School, and host a special clinic for 50 local youth at Club Rafiki in one of Kigali’s most underserved districts.”

Other celebrity guests include Good Morning America host Robin Roberts, former WNBA player Chiney Ogwumike, former soccer player Didier Drogba, comedian Michael Blackson, and actor Boris Kodjoe.

While Leonard has historically been one of the more soft-spoken superstars we’ve ever seen, it’s hard to argue with the resume he’s put up across his three NBA franchises in San Antonio, Toronto, and Los Angeles. He’s a two-time NBA Finals MVP, leading Toronto to its only NBA title in his lone season with the team.

Clearly, the wounds of Leonard leaving for Los Angeles in free agency just weeks after winning the title have somewhat healed for Ujiri, who is now pondering his own future after parting ways with the franchise last month.

What’s next for Masai Ujiri after leaving the Raptors?

In short: nobody’s really sure if or when Ujiri will return to the NBA, or if he will opt to take his talents to a different field.

“It’s been 12 incredible years with the Toronto Raptors,” Ujiri said on a Good Morning America appearance earlier this month. “I am so grateful and thankful for the opportunity. Fans, my family, colleagues, coaches, players, the owners, everybody has been incredible to me. I love you, Toronto. I love you Toronto. A great part, great journey in my life. It’s time, and great things come to an end.”

Ujiri was also asked if he’d consider going to another NBA franchise.

“Do you have a job for me?” he joked.

For now, we’ll keep an eye on whatever his next move may be.

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