Former Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri has been hired by another NBA team

The architect of the 2019 Toronto Raptors championship team has been hired by another NBA franchise.

After spending 12 seasons as the president of basketball operations for the Raptors from 2013-2025, Masai Ujiri is heading to the Dallas Mavericks to step in as the team's president and alternate governor, according to ESPN.

The Mavs' lead basketball executive role has been open since November, and now they've found an NBA executive with championship experience and an elite scouting background.

During his time in Toronto, his draft picks included NBA stars OJ Anunoby, Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes.

Please join us in welcoming Masai Ujiri as our Team President!@Chime // #MFFL pic.twitter.com/Z5RN5GYCUX

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) May 4, 2026

The team said in a statement that Ujiri will oversee all aspects of the Mavericks’ basketball operations, including roster construction, player personnel, and scouting, while working with team leadership to shape the organization’s long-term direction.

Ujiri spent 12 seasons in an executive role for the Toronto Raptors. (John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images)

Ujiri was hired by the Toronto Raptors in 2013 as executive vice president and general manager. After leading the team to the NBA Playoffs in four consecutive seasons, Ujiri was promoted to serve as the team's president.

He famously made the deal that sent DeMar DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs and brought former NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors for their 2018-2019 season championship run.

Ujiri did not work in the NBA this season after the Raptors parted ways with him following the 2025 NBA Draft. 

Despite parting ways, Ujiri has remained connected to basketball in Toronto through the WNBA.

The 55-year-old is part of the ownership group of the city's new franchise, Toronto Tempo, alongside tennis legend Serena Williams. The Tempo will begin its season on May 8 against the Washington Mystics.