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."