Even though they’ve had at least one legit star for years, it’s been quite a while since the Washington Wizards were actual contenders.
They’ve been stuck in a bit of a mediocrity spiral, alternating losing seasons with borderline playoff campaigns.
That’s the worst position any NBA team could be on, so it’s only natural to see that they’re considering all their options, management-wise.
According to The Athletic, the Wizards have reached out to the Toronto Raptors to inquire about team president Masai Ujiri and his availability.
The Wizards are expected to inquire about the availability of Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri, per @TheAthletic
(h/t @RealGM ) pic.twitter.com/9Y5v4BcGMQ
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 21, 2023
The Raptors recently agreed to part ways with coach Nick Nurse, so they might also be looking at a clean slate in the front office.
Ujiri was the architect behind the franchise’s first — and only — championship run, even taking Kawhi Leonard up north.
He’s an aggressive negotiator and a well-connected guy around the league with a close relationship with multiple stars, which would also be another perk of bringing him on board.
The Raptors have excelled at drafting and developing talent in Ujiri’s tenure in charge of the organization.
Also, he was the one who pulled the trigger and traded DeMar DeRozan, so he might be the pragmatical decision-maker they need to finally make some long-overdue changes in D.C.
Of course, that’s all assuming the Raptors and Ujiri are actually willing to put an end to their partnership, and there have been no indications of that thus far.
Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, and maybe even Kyle Kuzma will be back in the nation’s capital next season, and the Wizards will need to make a decision about whether they want to compete or not.
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