Raptors, Bobby Webster Reportedly Agree to New Contract as Lead Exec After Ujiri Exit

The Toronto Raptors named Bobby Webster as the team's head of basketball operations and agreed to a new contract with him on Monday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Webster will replace Masai Ujiri, who mutually agreed to part ways with the organization in June.

Ujiri initially hired Webster in 2013, and he's remained with the Raptors organization since.

He operated as Toronto's vice president of strategy and assistant general manager before getting promoted the role of general manager in 2017.

The Raptors spoke to several candidates for their lead executive role but were impressed by Webster ever since Ujiri's departure, per Charania.

Indiana Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan, Pacers president Kevin Pritchard, Chicago Bulls general manager Marc Eversley, Detroit Pistons executive Dwane Casey and former Sacramento Kings general manager Monte McNair were all on Toronto's radar throughout the hiring process, according to Michael Grange of Sportsnet.

In the end, the Raptors opted for a familiar face in their head of basketball operations role.

Webster rose to prominence in Toronto's front office throughout the organization's most successful stretch in its history, winning at least 51 games in five consecutive seasons from 2015-20 and securing a championship in 2019.

Now, the Raptors are looking to improve upon a 30-52 finish last season with a core that includes Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl. All five players are under contract for at least two more years.

As Toronto attempts to end a three-year playoff drought next season, Webster will serve as the team's top decision-maker moving forward.