Masai Ujiri’s departure as president of the Toronto Raptors has not quelled criticism surrounding his roster choices, particularly the Brandon Ingram Raptors trade criticism. During interviews for his replacement, several external candidates openly challenged Ujiri’s recent decisions, with one describing the Ingram acquisition as a desperate move. This controversy continues to shape the franchise’s future as it prepares for the next season.

Criticism From Candidates Highlights Doubts About Ujiri’s Recent Moves

According to TSN’s Josh Lewenberg, multiple candidates vying for the Raptors’ president position voiced concerns about Ujiri’s handling of the team’s roster. Some sources stated these candidates pushed back on various front-office decisions, and one explicitly labeled the February trade to acquire Brandon Ingram “a desperate Hail Mary.” This trade came late in Ujiri’s tenure and has been a focal point of debate given Ingram’s injury and the team’s trajectory.

Ujiri, once celebrated for his leadership during the Raptors’ 2019 championship run, has faced mounting criticism due to the team’s decline over the past six years. Despite managing a roster loaded with costly contracts, the Raptors have struggled, and many blame Ujiri’s leadership and roster construction for the lack of sustained success.

Lewenberg further noted that concerns were raised about the Raptors’ post-championship management and player development, as well as the team‘s significant salary commitments. The salary cap constraints and the overlapping skill sets on the roster have been matters of contention within and outside the organization.

Legacy Overshadowed by Questionable Trades and Team Decline

While Ujiri was instrumental in acquiring star players such as Kawhi Leonard and Marc Gasol during the Raptors’ championship era, some of his later moves have not aged well. Notably, the trade involving Pascal Siakam—an emerging star whom many fans still support—remains controversial. After his firing in June, Ujiri’s legacy is caught between his previous success and the current struggles of the team he helped build.

Ujiri’s final offseason with the Raptors saw no major signings, marking another lackluster summer for a franchise that failed to make the play-in tournament after finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference. Expectations remain modest as the Raptors head into the 2025-26 season without a clear star to lead them.

Brandon Ingram Trade Raises Doubts Amid High Payroll and Crowded Roster

Brandon Ingram, a 27-year-old former All-Star, joined the Raptors mid-season but missed the entire last campaign due to an ankle injury sustained with the New Orleans Pelicans. On paper, his career averages of 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on 46.5% shooting suggest he could be a valuable addition. Ujiri likely viewed Ingram as a critical piece to push the Raptors back to playoff contention, especially in a weakened Eastern Conference bolstered by Scottie Barnes and dependable role players.

However, Ingram never played a single game for Toronto before Ujiri’s dismissal. Fans and analysts have voiced frustration over the Raptors’ wing rotation, which now includes Ingram, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Garrett Temple, creating uncertainty about playing time and team dynamics. The Raptors are headed into the new season with the league’s eighth-highest payroll, including over $59 million committed to Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett, along with Ingram’s contract worth at least $119 million over three years.

Franchise Faces Uncertain Future as New Leadership Prepares to Rebuild

Masai Ujiri will always be celebrated for guiding the Raptors to their only NBA championship. Nevertheless, his final years with the team have cast a shadow over that achievement, highlighting instability in coaching, questionable personnel decisions, and talent management issues. The next Raptors front office inherits a team with an expensive and crowded roster, unclear long-term plans, and a challenging balance between rebuilding and competing.

As Toronto enters a pivotal season, the pressure to define a coherent direction has never been higher. The end of Ujiri’s era may provide a fresh opportunity for new leadership to reshape the Raptors’ future and move past the legacy of controversial trades and declining results.