DALLAS - May 5, 2026
The Dallas Mavericks have formally announced the hiring of Masai Ujiri as their new team president and alternate governor. Ujiri, a figure lauded for his success in building the Toronto Raptors' 2019 championship roster, will assume comprehensive oversight of all basketball operations. This includes decisions regarding roster construction, player personnel, and scouting, alongside efforts to define the organization's long-term basketball strategy.
The move follows a significant downturn for the Mavericks, marked by a dismal 26-56 record last season and the firing of former general manager Nico Harrison in November. Ujiri’s appointment, confirmed through multiple reports on Monday, positions him as the principal architect of the team's future direction. He replaces Harrison, whose tenure was notably impacted by a trade involving Luka Dončić that reportedly unsettled the team's fanbase and diminished their status from contender to a struggling entity.
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“The Dallas Mavericks are committed to being a world-class organization with a strong culture and focused on winning championships. We are very excited about the future of our team.” - Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont
A press conference introducing Ujiri, with Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont, is scheduled for Tuesday. Dumont has expressed enthusiasm for Ujiri’s leadership, stating, “Masai Ujiri is one of the great basketball leaders of this generation and his addition to our franchise is a critical step in meeting our goals. We welcome his energy and determination along with his leadership, experience and many accomplishments as a basketball executive.”
Ujiri's previous role with the Raptors saw him compile a regular-season record of 545–419 and a postseason record of 46–47 over a significant period. His 15-year career in NBA executive positions also includes a stint with the Denver Nuggets, where he was instrumental in trades such as the one involving Carmelo Anthony. He also recently became a primary owner of the WNBA's expansion team, the Toronto Tempo, which is set to begin its inaugural season on May 8th.
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The Mavericks had reportedly considered other prominent executives, including Tim Connelly and Bob Myers, but were unable to secure interviews. Ujiri’s arrival signals a shift in the franchise’s operational structure, with former majority owner Mark Cuban reportedly not involved in the hiring process. The team holds the eighth-best odds in the upcoming NBA draft lottery, and with Kyrie Irving expected to return next season after an injury, Ujiri faces the immediate task of reshaping the roster.
