Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri got MVP chants on Tuesday from the Toronto faithful as he accepted his championship ring.
Masai Ujiri gets MVP chants as he accepts his Raptors championship ring. pic.twitter.com/pD474qDn5W
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) October 22, 2019
Masai Ujiri made the bold move to trade fan favorite DeMar DeRozan to the San Antonio Spurs last summer for Kawhi Leonard, fully knowing that Leonard could be a one-year rental.
While Leonard ended up being a one-year guy in Toronto, the trade was still worth it, as Kawhi guided the Raptors to their first-ever championship. Toronto defeated the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 Finals in six games. Leonard captured his second Finals MVP. He signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in free agency this summer.
Article Continues BelowUjiri said this offseason trading DeRozan was devastating for him. DeRozan spent the first nine years of his NBA career with the Raptors. The All-Star made it known many times he wanted to spend his entire career in Toronto.
Reportedly, Ujiri told DeRozan at Summer League he wasn’t planning on trading him, which is why DeMar was so heartbroken. Trades are part of the business of the NBA.
Ujiri knew Raptors fans and the city of Toronto had a close bond with DeRozan. The California native is the Raptors’ franchise leader in games, minutes, field goals and points. He received a standing ovation from Raptors fans when the Spurs came to Scotiabank Arena in February.