Kawhi Leonard closed the door on his six-year run with the Los Angeles Clippers by sharing a farewell message with the team’s supporters following his return to Toronto.
Leonard posted a video on Instagram featuring moments from his Clippers career, with “thank you” displayed prominently throughout the tribute.
“I truly appreciate your unwavering support during both the highs and lows. Thank you, Clip Nation,” Leonard wrote in his Instagram caption.
The 35-year-old disabled comments on the post, which came after his trade to the Raptors was finally completed following a lengthy delay.
Los Angeles had initially agreed to send Leonard to Toronto in June, but the transaction was held up while the NBA investigated the Clippers over alleged salary-cap circumvention.
The league ultimately fined the franchise $30 million and took away five first-round draft picks, while owner Steve Ballmer received a one-year suspension.
Leonard was also fined $700,000 for his involvement. Once the investigation concluded and the findings were released, the NBA cleared the trade to proceed.
The move sends Leonard back to the franchise he previously helped win a championship while leaving the Clippers to deal with the consequences of the investigation without their longtime star.
Los Angeles now faces significant uncertainty following the league’s penalties, along with the possibility of a federal criminal investigation related to the alleged salary-cap circumvention.
