Breadcrumb Trail LinksToronto & GTAPublished Jul 04, 2025 • Last updated 15 minutes ago • 2 minute readRaptors president Masai Ujiri speaks next to the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2019. Craig Robertson/Toronto SunArticle contentMasai Ujiri has nothing but positive feelings about Toronto following his firing as Raptors vice-chairman and president.Advertisement 2THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Edmonton Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Edmonton Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe longtime Raptors executive appeared on Good Morning America on Thursday, where he spoke publicly for the first time since he and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment mutually agreed to part ways ahead of the final year of his most recent contract extension.Article contentArticle contentWhile Ujiri did not discuss his departure, the architect of the 2019 NBA champions gushed that he has nothing but love for the place he called home for more than a decade.“I love you, Toronto. I love you, Toronto,” Ujiri said to GMA host Robin Roberts.“It’s been 12 incredible years with the Toronto Raptors, and I am so grateful and thankful for the opportunity.”Ujiri continued: “Fans, my family, colleagues, coaches, players, the owners, everybody has been incredible to me.”He added: “A great part, great journey in my life. It’s time, and great things come to an end.”Edmonton Sun Headline NewsGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Edmonton Sun Headline News will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againArticle contentAdvertisement 3Article contentThe Raptors hired Ujiri as vice-president and general manager in 2013, after which the team consistently became playoff contenders.By 2016, he was promoted to team president while Bobby Webster took over the GM role the following year.In 2021, Ujiri inked a five-year deal to remain in Toronto, despite being considered for other front-office gigs.On June 27, the team confirmed that Ujiri was out before MLSE president Keith Pelley spoke at a media conference, thanking the longtime exec and noting that Webster and his staff would remain in place.We apologize, but this video has failed to load.Play Video“Today’s not an easy day. But, as you know, change is never easy,” Pelley told reporters.“Masai Ujiri has had a monumental impact on the Raptors and on our community during his 13 seasons with this organization. His legacy will be indelibly etched in our city in perpetuity based on him playing such a significant role of bringing the 2019 NBA championship to our city and also how he transformed our brand and worked through the Raptors to create a connection with so many fans in Toronto.”Advertisement 4Article contentPelley added: “We owe Masai a great deal of gratitude and wish him the very best moving forward. One thing we know: Wherever Masai ends up, he will be successful.”Read More SIMMONS: Firing Masai Ujiri is a huge mistake by MLSE Drake bids heartfelt goodbye to Masai Ujiri after Raptors fire team president Masai Ujiri's departure marks end of incredible era for Toronto Raptors Ujiri admitted to Roberts that his future remains uncertain, but continues to make his Giants of Africa organization, which runs youth basketball camps throughout the continent, his priority.“Now, it’s day to day with the family,” he said.“It’s a time to really look at it from the top, and I know there are great things coming.”Article contentShare this article in your social networkComments Join the Conversation