Masai Year End Presser @ 10am

[TD2FutureStar]

How can someone watch this and not realize that he's gone?

Possibly, but why don't you bring up some points from that press-conference which indicate that Masai is leaving ?

It really has to do with body language, emotional tells, and the nature of some of his repeated comments regarding family and exploring options (incl. beyond basketball), along with his deliberate deferral of extension discussions. Masai is an incredibly honest and passionate person, and I felt it was pretty clear watching this which direction he is leaning (hard). The biggest giveaway was his inability to hold back tears when asked about comments made by players/coaches in regard to him (as a leader, etc.). Masai loves the team, the city, etc., and poured everything he had into the franchise, but he's moving on to bigger things (in the U.S.), and this isn't easy for him. The talk about asks from ownership seems to me to really be about doing as much as he can before leaving, to advocate for Bobby, etc., and to ensure the franchise is able to continue building on what he's done here. Masai realizes (and basically states) that ownership would be give him any reasonable ask, so it's really about bigger issues (re his ambitions, larger goals beyond basketball, etc.).

Is he 100% decided? Probably not. But after watching the presser, I would be very surprised if he stays.

(Yes, I realize many will consider my post speculative nonsense, but I'm just stating what is clear from watching the video.)

Tomorrow's headline; Masai Ujiri signs 10yr/150M deal with the Toronto Raptors.

Tortellini: "I told you so!"

[Ackshun]

He may or may not be gone

Yeah I don't know about that.

[Steelo Green]

As much as people are terrified of Masai leaving, I think Bobby and Dan are perfectly fine.

Dan’s eye for talent is second to few. He’s made a lot out of a little and with some high draft picks, I would think he would hit on some stars. Hope they go a little brave with their pick this year and not a low ceiling player like Mitchell.

[Chandan]

It really has to do with body language, emotional tells, and the nature of some of his repeated comments regarding family and exploring options (incl. beyond basketball), along with his deliberate deferral of extension discussions. Masai is an incredibly honest and passionate person, and I felt it was pretty clear watching this which direction he is leaning (hard). The biggest giveaway was his inability to hold back tears when asked about comments made by players/coaches in regard to him (as a leader, etc.). Masai loves the team, the city, etc., and poured everything he had into the franchise, but he's moving on to bigger things (in the U.S.), and this isn't easy for him. The talk about asks from ownership seems to me to really be about doing as much as he can before leaving, to advocate for Bobby, etc., and to ensure the franchise is able to continue building on what he's done here. Masai realizes (and basically states) that ownership would be give him any reasonable ask, so it's really about bigger issues (re his ambitions, larger goals beyond basketball, etc.).

Is he 100% decided? Probably not. But after watching the presser, I would be very surprised if he stays.

(Yes, I realize many will consider my post speculative nonsense, but I'm just stating what is clear from watching the video.)

you are missing the part where he's in the middle of a contract negotiation. So it pays to act undecided or leaning towards leaving.

[Tacoma]

I agree at least somewhat with Chandan. It's reasonable to say that if Masai wanted to stay above all else, he would've signed by now. The Championship title shined a light on him on the world map that opened up other opportunities for him outside basketball and I think this is where he's leaning to land. My 2 cents is if he stays with the NBA, it'll be with the Raptors and no other team. But I think he's got bigger things on the table.

Most notably is his Giants for Africa foundation. He said in the presser he's going back to Africa soon and he won't decide on anything until after he gets back. There is where his heart & soul is and my speculation is the other offers he is negotiating and possibly leaning is related to furthering his ultimate goal in advocating and developing Africa and promoting the livelihood of its people. If he leaves, I see him furthering this challenge.

[Chandan]

I agree at least somewhat with Chandan. It's reasonable to say that if Masai wanted to stay above all else, he would've signed by now. The Championship title shined a light on him on the world map that opened up other opportunities for him outside basketball and I think this is where he's leaning to land. My 2 cents is if he stays with the NBA, it'll be with the Raptors and no other team. But I think he's got bigger things on the table.

Most notably is his Giants for Africa foundation. He said in the presser he's going back to Africa soon and he won't decide on anything until after he gets back. There is where his heart & soul is and my speculation is the other offers he is negotiating and possibly leaning is related to furthering his ultimate goal in advocating and developing Africa and promoting the livelihood of its people. If he leaves, I see him furthering this challenge.

Sorry that's not my post. Not that I totally disagree either.

[Mack11]

I wonder when we can expect to hear a decision on this..most likely this week?

[Ackshun]

I agree at least somewhat with Chandan. It's reasonable to say that if Masai wanted to stay above all else, he would've signed by now. The Championship title shined a light on him on the world map that opened up other opportunities for him outside basketball and I think this is where he's leaning to land. My 2 cents is if he stays with the NBA, it'll be with the Raptors and no other team. But I think he's got bigger things on the table.

Most notably is his Giants for Africa foundation. He said in the presser he's going back to Africa soon and he won't decide on anything until after he gets back. There is where his heart & soul is and my speculation is the other offers he is negotiating and possibly leaning is related to furthering his ultimate goal in advocating and developing Africa and promoting the livelihood of its people. If he leaves, I see him furthering this challenge.

It's a tough one. If he goes to Africa, does he lose that "platform" he often referred to?

Or is Africa the end game?

[Ackshun]

I wonder when we can expect to hear a decision on this..most likely this week?

This would make sense. It appears his original five year deal was signed up May 31st in 2015. After his 2 year extension, I'm guessing that date still holds up if MLSE and Masai takes these dates literally.

Either way, they need to sort this **** out so we can move on if needed.

[Preliudas]

Somebody should do a poll re: Masai leaving or staying.
I think he is gone and if it happens, I guess that's fine, because Bobby IMO is perfect replacement

[D.Brasco]

At this point it comes down to only two possibilities with Masai. One he stays or two he leaves, that's really it.

[Preliudas]

At this point it comes down to only two possibilities with Masai. One he stays or two he leaves, that's really it.

Lol, right. But it would be interesting to see what fans are thinking

[dTox]

It seems like Masai is in Africa this week for the launch of the Basketball Africa League, so I wouldn't be shocked if the negotiations haven't started until his return

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[Mack11]

weird i thought he mentioned in the presser that he was leaving for Africa soon and he expected that a deal would be done before that

[Son Goku 25]

If Masai leaves we better get the best prospect in the draft plus other help

[WuTang_OG]

At this point it comes down to only two possibilities with Masai. One he stays or two he leaves, that's really it.

[DangerZone13]

I think the other thing we have to keep in mind is that Masai isn't negotiating money for himself, which would be in the 10's of millions. He's negotiating for broad-scale things to develop the team globally, and advocate with the league for equal treatment, which also takes money. He may also be wrapping support for his Africa projects into it. This all includes hiring more high-end people for these positions, international marketing campaigns, etc., which is more money and dedication from ownership than a typical Team President contract where its about pay and how much power they have.

Those chomping at the bit, or getting down because there's no news yet should take a breath. It's not like he's on bad terms, so he's already expressed his vision to Bobby, Tolzman, etc., so the draft/free agency process likely already has some form, and they can evaluate as it goes. If it gets to the lottery/draft combine and nothing is solid, then we worry.

[Tor_Raps]

weird i thought he mentioned in the presser that he was leaving for Africa soon and he expected that a deal would be done before that

Nothing was said about a deal being completed. Negotiations were to begin before he left and he said they could prolong because of his trip to Africa. Ball's completely in Masai's court

[Raps in 4]

Rogers/Bell rates are about to skyrocket now that they've finally managed to kill off those pesky wholesale providers. They should have no problems paying Masai what he wants now.

[WuTang_OG]

Rogers/Bell rates are about to skyrocket now that they've finally managed to kill off those pesky wholesale providers. They should have no problems paying Masai what he wants now.

this is a big problem for consumers

CRTC fked everyone including teksaavy