Story perspectives

Mavericks Hire Masai Ujiri as President, Target Draft Build

5/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dallas Mavericks named Masai Ujiri president and alternate governor on Tuesday, holding three draft picks.
Ujiri will build around Cooper Flagg, averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists, and add shooting as the team ranked bottom five in three-point attempts.
He pledged to improve medical staff after misdiagnosing Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.
He will assess coach Jason Kidd, noting Kyrie Irving’s $39.5 million salary and $42.4 million option for 2027-28.

History

Historical Context

Masai Ujiri joined the Toronto Raptors as general manager in May 2013, reshaped the roster, and after acquiring Kawhi Leonard in 2018 led the team to its first NBA championship in 2019, finishing the season 58-24. The historic title, the league’s first won by a non-U.S. franchise, now underpins his appointment as president of the Dallas Mavericks.

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Story summary

Dallas Mavericks named Masai Ujiri president and alternate governor on Tuesday, holding three draft picks.
Ujiri will build around Cooper Flagg, averaged 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists, and add shooting as the team ranked bottom five in three-point attempts.
He pledged to improve medical staff after misdiagnosing Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.
He will assess coach Jason Kidd, noting Kyrie Irving’s $39.5 million salary and $42.4 million option for 2027-28.

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