Former Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey is gaining momentum as a leading candidate for the team’s president of basketball operations role, according to multiple reports.
The Detroit Free Press, citing a source with direct knowledge of the situation, confirmed that Casey is firmly “in the mix” to return to the franchise in a front office capacity.
Casey, who currently serves as a front office executive with the Detroit Pistons, coached the Raptors from 2011 to 2018 and remains the franchise’s all-time wins leader.
Sportsnet’s Michael Grange reported that Casey recently met with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president Keith Pelley as part of the organization’s ongoing search to replace Masai Ujiri.
Ujiri and the Raptors officially parted ways on June 27, ending a 12-year run that included the franchise’s first NBA title in 2019.
After stepping down from coaching the Pistons in 2023, Casey transitioned into an advisory role with Detroit’s basketball operations.
Casey’s connection to Toronto — along with his league-wide reputation for leadership and culture-building — has made him a compelling option in the eyes of team ownership.
However, he is not the only prominent name under consideration.
Monte McNair, the 2022–23 NBA Executive of the Year, has also reportedly spoken with Pelley following his departure from the Sacramento Kings earlier this year.
Raptors general manager Bobby Webster remains the internal favorite to take over the role, with multiple league insiders describing the vacancy as “Bobby’s to lose.”
If Webster is promoted, it’s likely that Toronto will focus on filling supporting roles around him rather than appointing an entirely new executive leader from outside.
Grange also noted that Indiana Pacers president Kevin Pritchard has drawn internal interest, though league rules may complicate a lateral move.
The search is being managed by CAA Executive Search, which has conducted outreach to several NBA front office personnel over recent weeks.
