Before broadening the parameters of their search for a general manager, the 76ers made an aggressive attempt to land current Nuggets GM Masai Ujiri, says Adrian Wojnarowski. The report confirms that Tony DiLeo is currently the front runner to replace Rod Thorn, but this is the first time that news of Ujiri's involvement has surfaced.
Ujiri is well respected in NBA circles despite being one of the lowest paid general managers in the league. After losing the franchise centerpiece in Carmelo Anthony, Ujiri molded the Nuggets into an instant winner. Apparently, the Sixers attempted to lure him to Philly with big bucks but his loyalty to Denver ownership (and presumably big money from the Nuggets in the near future) allowed him to resist.
Ujiri only has one year left on his deal. The Nuggets will need to extend him to prevent other teams from poaching their architect. Although Wojnarowski mentions the Dwight Howard blockbuster that both teams were involved in, it is unclear where this report fits in from a time perspective.