Raptors' Nurse has 'a little concern' about Ujiri's extension talks

Although Nick Nurse's immediate future with the Toronto Raptors is assured following a reportedly lavish contract extension, the 2019-20 Coach of the Year admitted Thursday that he harbors some uncertainty about the franchise's ongoing contract negotiations with team president Masai Ujiri.

Ujiri's current deal concludes after the 2020-21 season.

"We've been together, (general manager) Bobby (Webster), Masai, and I for seven years now - I mean, only kind of at a real close working relationship for two, since I became the head coach - and we feel like a team that leads the organization," Nurse told reporters during a video press conference. "So, yeah, there's a little concern.

"I mean, I never was concerned that they were not gonna get a deal done for me. I feel the same way about Bobby and the same for Masai. If something changes, we'll do the best we can. And if it changes, it's going to be probably for a good reason for somebody, right? A better reason, or whatever. But if not, we'll just keep working together."

The trio all joined the Raptors organization in 2013 - Ujiri after initially leaving the team in 2010 to become the Denver Nuggets' GM, Webster as Ujiri's first hire upon his return, and Nurse as an assistant on Dwane Casey's coaching staff. Nurse replaced Casey as head coach in 2018, guiding the Raptors to their first-ever title in his first season on the job.