Masai Ujiri is making a strong early impression in his new job with the Dallas Mavericks.
The former Toronto Raptors president and vice chairman made his first big move after just a couple of weeks on the job, firing head coach Jason Kidd.
While initial reports stated that Kidd’s departure from the organization was a “mutual decision,” Ujiri took accountability for the move during a news conference on Wednesday.
“What he’s done for this organization we truly respect, so this was a very, very tough decision,” Ujiri said. “I have to be accountable with a decision like this.
“I also have to be very active in how I look at the organization from top to bottom.”
In an earlier statement regarding Kidd’s departure, Ujiri said that it was the “right moment for a new direction” after the team missed the playoffs for the second straight season.
“As we evaluate the future of our basketball program, we believe this is the right moment for a new direction for our team,” Ujiri said in a statement. “We have high expectations for this franchise and a responsibility to build a basketball organization capable of sustained championship contention.
“We will conduct a thorough, disciplined search for our next head coach and continue to evaluate our entire basketball operations staff to ensure we compete at the standard Mavs fans expect and deserve.”
What is the behind-the-scenes speculation?
There might be more than meets the eye to this dismissal, though.
According to multiple reports, Kidd had been angling for a promotion to president of basketball operations after general manager Nico Harrison was fired this past November.
However, Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont reportedly told Kidd that he wouldn’t be considered for a front office role.
The team then ultimately decided to move ahead by hiring Ujiri earlier this month.
Kidd also reportedly gave his approval to the controversial trade that saw superstar Luka Doncic dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025 — a move that ultimately led to Harrison’s firing.
Do Ujiri and Kidd have a history?
There had been speculation about animosity between Kidd and Ujiri in the past, while they were with the Nets and Raptors, respectively.
After Ujiri’s infamous “f*** Brooklyn” proclamation before a playoff game, Kidd, then the Nets coach, was asked about it.
“You gotta tell me who the GM is. I don’t even know who that is,” Kidd replied.
Kidd later moved on to Milwaukee, where Ujiri and Co. got the better of the Bucks in a big trade.
“Masai and Webster and Co. robbed Kidd and Bucks and ended up with Anunoby and Norm Powell out of it for Greivis Vasquez, who Kidd had to have,” Toronto Sun columnist Ryan Wolstat noted on X.
How much is Kidd owed?
The move will be a costly one for the franchise, with Kidd reportedly owed $40 million over the next four years. He had received two contract extensions during his time with the team, including after the team’s run to the 2024 NBA Finals.
During his five seasons coaching the Mavs, Kidd posted a record of 205-205 in the regular season and 22-18 in the playoffs.
However, according to ESPN Insights, Kidd’s record tanked after the Doncic trade. Kidd had posted a winning percentage of .563 during time working with the all-star guard, which dropped to .339 after the deal.