Masai Ujiri just won the first NBA championship of his executive career, as the Toronto Raptors that he built defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games to capture their first title in franchise history.
Ujiri has been general manager of the Raptors since 2013, and ever since he was hired, the Raptors have gradually gone from league laughing-stocks to playoff team to contender to champion.
The road certainly has not been easy, but Ujiri finally put Toronto over the top last summer when he took the risk in acquiring Kawhi Leonard in a blockbuster trade with the San Antonio Spurs.
Now, Ujiri has reached the mountaintop, and he apparently may have another suitor.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Friday that the Washington Wizards are preparing to make a prolific offer that would approach $10 million annually in order for Ujiri to become their general manager, not to mention have the opportunity for ownership equity.
That is one heck of a package, and it's one that Ujiri should seriously consider.
Now that the 48-year-old has already delivered a title in Toronto, there is not much left for him to accomplish as a Raptors executive other than piling on more championships, a task that will be quite difficult if/when Leonard departs in free agency this summer.
That's why he should really think about taking on the challenge that is fixing the Wizards.
Just imagine if Ujiri steps in and repairs the dumpster fire that is currently the Washington franchise. It would cement him as one of the greatest executives in league history, especially if he is somehow able to lead the Wizards to a title.
Washington's roster is currently saddled with the massive contract of John Wall, a contract that looks awfully dubious now that Wall is recovering from a torn Achilles. Meanwhile, the Wizards are faced with the prospect of potentially trading Bradley Beal this summer, a process that owner Ted Leonsis will feel much more comfortable with if Ujiri is calling the shots.
Basically, there is a whole lot to work on in Washington, and it's a mess that not many men in the NBA can clean up. But Ujiri is one of those few who can potentially bring some clarity and some hope to a franchise that has not won a championship in over 40 years.
Sure, he would have to leave a pretty cushy job in Toronto, a city that seems ready to build a statue for him outside Scotiabank Arena after the magnificent job he has done over the last several years, but perhaps it's time for Ujiri to move on to his next venture?
Taking over the Wizards would be risky, as he could also possibly damage his legacy if things go haywire, but the Leonard trade alone demonstrates that Ujiri has no problem taking risks, and thus far, his risk-taking has worked out pretty well, wouldn't you say?
Whether or not Masai Ujiri legitimately considers leaving the Raptors for the Wizards remains to be seen, but it is an opportunity that he should heavily ponder, as he can even further elevate his standing in the annals of NBA history if he can fix another seemingly dead franchise.
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