Ujiri envisions long-term future with Raptors: 'In my mind, I'm here'

Despite rumors that other NBA franchises could seek his expertise, Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri is quite comfortable with his current setup north of the border.

"For me, it's always been about Toronto," Ujiri said at his season-ending press conference Tuesday. "I love it here. My family loves it here. My wife loves it here, which is very important. My kids are Canadians. You want to win more.

"I can continue to address teams wanting me and all those things. That's a blessing in life. For me, the blessing is being wanted here and finding a place that makes you happy and finding challenges that really make you grow as a person. This place has made me grow as a person. I identify with this place and I love it; In my mind, I'm here."

The Washington Wizards were linked to Ujiri earlier this month, with the team reportedly considering offering the former Executive of the Year a deal in the range of $10 million per year plus the opportunity to acquire an ownership stake in the organization. Wizards owner Ted Leonsis denied the team's interest, however, maintaining his team had never planned to ask the Raptors for permission to interview Ujiri.

In any case, Ujiri is still under contract with the Raptors - unlike reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard, who will test free agency this summer after reportedly declining his player option for the 2019-20 season. Ahead of a pivotal free-agency period, Ujiri is cautiously optimistic about the team's chances of retaining the superstar forward.

"We do feel confident he will (re-sign)," Ujiri said. "But Kawhi is his own man. He's shown us that since he came here. He's a confident human being. He's an unbelievable person ...

"But at the end of the day, the relationship I've developed with Kawhi and the relationship this organization has built with Kawhi, we will respect his decision."