SportsBasketballRaptors

'I love you, Toronto': Masai Ujiri finally speaks on Raptors exit

Adam Laskaris
Adam Laskaris
|
Jul 4 2025, 4:40 pm
'I love you, Toronto': Masai Ujiri finally speaks on Raptors exit
John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images

Former Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri showed up in a bit of an unlikely location to address his departure from the franchise.

The former Raptors exec took to Good Morning America for his first public comments since leaving the team.

“It’s been 12 incredible years with the Toronto Raptors,” Ujiri said to host Robin Roberts. “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.

MLSE CEO Keith Pelley officially spoke on Ujiri’s dismissal (by reported mutual agreement) last week in a press conference.

Pelley touted that Ujiri’s departure was “my decision supported by the board,” publicly rebuffing claims that the decision was made by Ed Rogers.

“I’m committed to building the right culture and the right competitive players to contend and to win championships, and that’s the way that I’ll be judged… You have to be prepared to make some tough decisions you have to be prepared to make changes. Change is hard. It really is hard. And this decision today is hard. It’s a tough decision, but I think it’s the right decision for the Raptors at this time,” Pelley said.

While the comments of his time with the Raptors were the most headline-grabbing moment of Ujiri’s interview, it wasn’t actually the main focus. Ujiri spoke about his Giants of Africa Foundation, which he’s headed up since its launch in 2003.

Aiming to host basketball camps, build courts, and provide resources to children throughout the continent where he grew up, Ujiri hyped up the Giants of Africa Festival taking place this summer in Kigali, Rwanda. A total of 320 young men and women from across the continent will be taking part in a showcase of art, culture, education, and basketball later this month.

ADVERTISEMENT