RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Dwane Casey To Remain With Raptors Next Season

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:38:40 EDT

Dwane Casey will return to the Toronto Raptors for the 13-14 NBA season as head coach.

The move was expected but confirmed on Wednesday in a press release.

Casey will be in the final season of his contract and his future will be determined by Masai Ujiri.

Raptors Fully Preparing For Draft Despite Not Owning Any Picks

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:30:44 EDT

The Toronto Raptors do not hold any draft picks in next week's draft, but Masai Ujiri is going through preparations in the same manner as any front office.

"For me, it’s not difficult at all because you approach the draft like you are drafting," said Ujiri. "Even though we don’t have a draft pick, we have to be prepared with all our information, all our rankings and every little detail that you need on players in the draft. I think we have to be very prepared going in because you never know what’s going to happen on draft day. You could get a couple of calls that would shock you, so you have to be prepared for any circumstance."

Bobby Webster Hired As Raptors' Capologist

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:07:41 EDT

The Toronto Raptors have hired Bobby Webster to become the vice president of basketball management and strategy.

Webster was previously working in the league office and will become the Raptors' capologist.

Raptors Hire Dan Tolzman For Director-Level Scouting Position

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:36:15 EDT

Dan Tolzman has accepted a director-level scouting job with the Toronto Raptors.

Tolzman was most recently with the Denver Nuggets, where he reported to new Raptors' GM Masai Ujiri.

Tolzman had offers from numerous teams.

Raptors Part Ways With Alvin Williams

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:54:20 EDT

The Toronto Raptors have parted ways with Alvin Williams, a popular former player of the team who has been serving as a scout.

Williams was based out of Philadelphia while scouting for the Raptors.

The decision was made by MLSE CEO Tim Leiweke, according to the report.

Report: Jeff Weltman To Join Raptors' Front Office

Sun, 09 Jun 2013 19:39:41 EDT

The Toronto Raptors will hire Jeff Weltman as their second in command behind Masai Ujiri.

Weltman will remain with the Milwaukee Bucks, however, until after the draft.

Weltman signed an extension with the Bucks in January.

McGrady Thinks Raptors Could Have Competed With Lakers For Titles

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 11:30:47 EDT

Tracy McGrady believes the Toronto Raptors could have contended for championships, had he chosen to remain with the team instead of joining the Orlando Magic.

“At that time, I think Toronto probably could have competed for championships with the Lakers, that’s what I think,” McGrady said.

McGrady doubled his scoring average to 26.8 in his first season with the Magic, and led the NBA at 32.1 and 28.0 per game during his final two seasons there.

“Toronto, they didn’t know I was capable of that type of performance as far as scoring. I didn’t (even) know I had that in me,” McGrady said.

Raptors Pursuing Jeff Weltman For Front Office Position

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:10:11 EDT

Jeff Weltman is being pursued by the Toronto Raptors to join their front office.

Weltman has been with the Milwaukee Bucks since 2008 and received an extension in January.

Weltman has received interest from the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns for their general manager vacancies in recent years.

Masai Ujiri has been turning over the Raptors' front office since being hired last week as GM.

Gherardini Unlikely To Remain With Raptors

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 13:18:27 EDT

The Toronto Raptors are likely to part ways with Maurizio Gherardini, according to a source.

The Raptors have already let go of pro scouting director Jim Kelly and vice president of pro scouting Dave Pendergraft.

Gherardini has been the Raptors' face in Europe.

Masai Ujiri has been turning over the Raptors' front office since he was hired as general manager.

Raptors Sever Ties With Ed Stefanski

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 11:49:43 EDT

The Toronto Raptors have severed ties with Ed Stefanski, according to sources.

Stefanski had one season remaining on his contract with the Raptors and his dismissal was the first decision of Masai Ujiri's tenure with the club.

Stefanski was previously with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Raptors Will Attempt To Trade Bargnani By July 1

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 12:42:33 EDT

Masai Ujiri will aggressively attempt to trade Andrea Bargnani before July 1 as his top priority now that he is general manager of the Toronto Raptors.

Bargnani is owed $10,750,000 in 13-14 and $11,500,000 in 14-15. Bargnani also has a five percent trade kicker.

The Raptors can use their amnesty on Bargnani during the second week of July if they are unable to trade him.

Dwane Casey Likely To Remain As Head Coach Of Raptors

Fri, 31 May 2013 18:25:23 EDT

Dwane Casey is likely to remain with the Toronto Raptors for the 13-14 NBA season, according to sources.

Masai Ujiri was hired as general manager of the Raptors on Friday.

It had been widely assumed that Casey's fate was tied to that of Bryan Colangelo, who is no longer in charge of basketball operations.

Masai Ujiri Accepts Raptors' GM Job

Fri, 31 May 2013 17:28:14 EDT

Masai Ujiri has agreed to become the next general manager of the Toronto Raptors.

Ujiri accepted a five-year, $15 million deal to leave the Denver Nuggets for the Raptors.

Ujiri was the 2012-13 NBA Executive of the Year.

Sources say Ujiri's decision to accept the position with the Raptors was made more difficult due to his strong relationship with Josh Kroenke.

Ujiri is the first major hire since Tim Leiweke became CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

Sources: Nuggets Unlikely To Match Masai Ujiri's $15M Offer From Raptors

Wed, 29 May 2013 23:26:39 EDT

The Toronto Raptors have made Masai Ujiri a five-year, $15 million offer to be their general manager and it is a virtual certainty that the Denver Nuggets will not match, according to league sources.

Ujiri is expected to make a decision sometime this week.

Ujiri was assistant GM for three years with the Raptors before joining the Nuggets in 2010.

Ujiri's contract expires on June 30.

21 NBA Teams To Compete In 2013 Vegas Summer League

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:52:37 EDT

The 2013 Vegas Summer League will be comprised of 22 teams and run from July 12 to July 22.

Atlanta Hawks (2010-12)
Charlotte Bobcats (2008, 2012)
Chicago Bulls (2005, 2009-12)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2004-12)
Dallas Mavericks (2005-12)
Denver Nuggets (2004-12)
Golden State Warriors (2005-12)
L.A. Clippers (2005-12)
L.A. Lakers (2007-12)
Memphis Grizzlies (2007-12)
Miami Heat (2010-12)
Milwaukee Bucks (2007-12)
Minnesota Timberwolves (2006-12)
NBA D-League Select (2009-12)
New Orleans Pelicans (2005-12)
New York Knicks (2005-12)
Phoenix Suns (2004-12)
Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12)
Sacramento Kings (2005-12)
San Antonio Spurs (2007-12)
Toronto Raptors (2008-12)
Washington Wizards (2004-12)

Masai Ujiri To Meet With Nuggets Before Making Decision On Raptors' Offer

Tue, 28 May 2013 15:21:24 EDT

Masai Ujiri is expected to be nearing a decision on whether to accept the Toronto Raptors' offer to become their next general manager.

The Raptors have made Ujiri a lucrative offer, but he wants to wait until he meets with the Denver Nuggets before accepting.

Ujiri is expected to meet with Josh Kroenke on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Colangelo: New Situation With Raptors Unique, Not Ideal

Mon, 27 May 2013 12:46:56 EDT

Bryan Colangelo was not asked to remain general manager of the Toronto Raptors, but he did accept a non-basketball corporate position within the organization.

MLSE hired Tim Leiweke as CEO and he decided the Raptors needed to make a change in the front office.

"It's a unique situation for me to be in, but not an ideal one," said Colangelo.

Colangelo was named the 2005 Executive of the Year with the Phoenix Suns and again in 2007 with the Raptors.

Bargnani To Compete For Italy In Eurobasket

Mon, 27 May 2013 12:15:36 EDT

Andrea Bargnani will compete for Italy in Eurobasket this September in Slovenia.

"I am always happy to play for the Italian National Team," said Bargnani. "Last summer I could not play because of my calf injury. Now, due to my elbow problems I miss playing games but I can't wait to start."

Bargnani was limited to just 35 games last season.

"I got injured for the second consecutive year: last year a calf problem, this season an elbow injury," said Bargnani. "Two probems which forced me to miss a couple of months. I have just started practice again."

The Raptors attempted to trade Bargnani last season, but he remains on the roster and will have a new general manager.

"Today I am a Raptor. Tomorrow we'll see. I am very happy for my years in Toronto. I love the city and in my first three seasons in the NBA we made the postseason. Personally, I think I have always performed well. I don't have any regret."

Ujiri Weighing Offers From Nuggets, Raptors

Mon, 27 May 2013 11:55:11 EDT

Masai Ujiri has an offer on the table from the Toronto Raptors, but it remains unclear if he is prepared to leave the Denver Nuggets.

Ujiri is evaluating multiple competing opportunities as the Nuggets have made an offer to keep him with the club.

“There has been an offer made, but there’s a little bit of a cycle to go through here,” said a league source.

Ujiri had been earning approximately $500,000 per season, about half of the NBA's average for a general manager.

The Raptors have offered Ujiri a four-year deal worth about $9 million, according to sources.

Kroenke Believes Ujiri Had Previously Reached New Deal With Nuggets

Sat, 25 May 2013 14:45:25 EDT

Masai Ujiri has reportedly inched closer to becoming the Toronto Raptors' new general manager, but Denver Nuggets president Josh Kroenke believes he and Ujiri had reached a new contract prior to the interview process with the Raptors.

"In my mind," Kroenke said, "we had an agreement but it doesn't matter because I would never hold someone back from an opportunity they might be curious about. Especially someone I hold in such high regard as Masai."

After speaking with Ujiri, Kroenke decided it was best for both sides to allow the former Raptors official to interview with his old team.

"I have understood all along the relationships that Masai has in Toronto, and I respect those immensely," Kroenke said in a phone interview. "So when Toronto inquired about him recently, I knew that it was going to be a tough situation for everyone strictly because of the relationships involved."

Masai Ujiri Moving Toward Deal With Raptors

Fri, 24 May 2013 23:08:07 EDT

Masai Ujiri is in serious negotiations with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to become the next general manager of the Toronto Raptors.

Ujiri will take the next couple days to fully consider the move, but signs are currently pointing to him taking the position with the Raptors.

The Denver Nuggets do not intend to make an aggressive counter to the Raptors' multi-million dollar offer.

Denver ownership "seems to be moving on," one league source familiar with the talks told Y! Sports.

The Raptors are believed to be offering double or even triple the best deal Ujiri has received from the Nuggets.

Raptors Request Permission To Interview Kevin Pritchard

Fri, 24 May 2013 17:34:28 EDT

The Toronto Raptors have requested permission to interview Kevin Pritchard for their general manager opening, according to sources.

The Indiana Pacers do not want to allow interviews until the season ends. They are currently down 1-0 to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

One of the possibilities that the Raptors have identified is teaming Pritchard with Oklahoma City assistant GM Troy Weaver.

Raptors Meet With Masai Ujiri About GM Job

Fri, 24 May 2013 17:22:37 EDT

The Toronto Raptors met with Masai Ujiri on Friday after the general manager received permission from the Denver Nuggets to interview, according to sources.

Tim Leiweke is aggressively pursuing Ujiri to become the Raptors' general manager and plans to present an offer that will pay him nearly $3 million annually over the course of a multi-year contract.

Ujiri's contract with the Nuggets expires on June 30 and it's possible an agreement can be struck that will allow him to leave sooner.

Raptors Willing To Offer Masai Ujiri $2M Per Season

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:26:35 EDT

Masai Ujiri has been identified as the Toronto Raptors' top target to replace Bryan Colangelo as general manager.

The Raptors could offer Ujiri a salary in excess of $2 million to leave the Denver Nuggets.

Ujiri is reportedly earning approximately $500,000 in the final season of his contract with the Nuggets. The Nuggets, however, are confident that they will be able to retain Ujiri.

Colangelo's Tenure As Raptors' GM Over, Will Represent Club At Lottery

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:34:58 EDT

The Toronto Raptors will announce on Tuesday that Bryan Colangelo's tenure as chief decision-maker of basketball operations is over, but sources say he will remain with the franchise in a corporate role.

Colangelo has always been viewed as loyal to the organization and it appears as though new MLSE CEO Tim Leiweke and ownership will honor that.

Colangelo will coincidentally represent the Raptors at the lottery on Tuesday.

MLSE has hired a search firm to narrow a list of candidates, though Ed Stefanski will likely guide the front office until a new GM is hired.

Colangelo To Remain With Raptors In 'Corporate' Role, Still Pursuing New GM

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:25:06 EDT

MLSE has been in negotiations with Bryan Colangelo for him to return to the Toronto Raptors in a "significant" capacity, according to sources.

But the Raptors also remain in full pursuit of Masai Ujiri to assume full control of basketball operations.

MLSE faces a Monday deadline to make a decision on their option on Colangelo's contract for next season.

Sources tell Doug Smith of the Toronto Star that Colangelo will remain with the Raptors in a "corporate", non-basketball role.

Gani Lawal Intrigues NBA Teams After Breakout Season In Italy

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:15:10 EDT

After a breakout season in Europe, Gani Lawal has intrigued NBA teams and could receive consideration for a contract, league sources told RealGM.

Lawal has already scheduled workouts – private and as part of mini-camps – with the Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic, sources said. Four to five other teams have discussed bringing him in to work out, too.

Lawal, the 6-foot-9 athletic, scrappy forward, had his best professional season with Italy’s Virtus Roma, averaging 13.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. Virtus Roma has gone 20-10 this season and ranks third in the league standings.

Since leaving the Phoenix Suns organization that drafted him in the second round in 2010, Lawal, 24, has lost weight and added strength. Lawal played one game with the Suns two seasons ago and was in the San Antonio Spurs’ training camp in 2011, but he was derailed by injuries and didn’t figure into a long-term plan. He was drafted after three years at Georgia Tech.

Raptors Target Masai Ujiri As Top GM Candidate

Sat, 18 May 2013 11:05:13 EDT

The Toronto Raptors are pursuing Masai Ujiri to become the team's top basketball executive, according to sources.

Ujiri was named the 2013 NBA Executive of the Year for his work as general manager of the Nuggets.

Ujiri's contract with the Nuggets expires this summer and he has been in discussions on an extension.

Korn/Ferry International, the search firm hired by MLSE to search for a new GM for the Raptors, has identified Ujiri as its top candidate.

MLSE has until Monday to make a decision on whether to retain Bryan Colangelo, who could stay with the franchise under a new decision-maker.

Ujiri worked for three years with the Raptors under Colangelo before becoming GM of the Nuggets.

MLSE Hires Firm To Search For New Raptors' GM, No Decision Yet On Colangelo

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:30:00 EDT

MLSE, owner of the Toronto Raptors, have hired a firm to search for a possible replacement for Bryan Colangelo.

The Raptors have until Monday to make a decision on whether to pick up their option on Colangelo's contract for the 13-14 season.

Kevin Pritchard and Troy Weaver are two names being mentioned as candidates to replace Colangelo, should the Raptors make a move.

Tim Leiweke became CEO of MLSE last month and will have final say on the Raptors' general manager position.

Lillard, Davis, Beal, Waiters, Barnes On 2013 All-Rookie First Team

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:39:00 EDT

Damian Lillard headlines the 2013 NBA All-Rookie Team as a unanimous selection.

Bradley Beal, Anthony Davis, Dion Waiters and Harrison Barnes joined Lillard on the All-Rookie First Team.

On the All-Rookie Second Team is Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kyle Singler and Tyler Zeller.

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Thu, 20 Jun 2013 04:17:03 EDT

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