MLSE chairman dismisses Ujiri rumors: 'Masai is here to stay'

Amid rumors about Masai Ujiri's future as president of the Toronto Raptors, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment chairman Larry Tanenbaum attempted to end the speculation once and for all.

"He is the best," Tanenbaum said of Ujiri, according to the Toronto Sun's Michael Traikos. "But no team can come to talk to him. That's tampering. And every owner knows that. Masai is here to stay."

Tanenbaum also confirmed a report from Sportsnet's Michael Grange that Ujiri, whose current contract will expire following the 2020-21 season, wasn't offered a new deal this past offseason.

"Masai has a contract that goes for another two years ... so there’s really no need at this point (to re-sign him)," Tanenbaum said.

The Raptors have enjoyed the most successful stretch in franchise history since Ujiri took over before the 2013-14 campaign, going 337-178 and capturing their first NBA title last season.

The New York Knicks have long been rumored as Ujiri's next landing spot if he wants to explore options outside of Toronto.