Kawhi Leonard is a man of few words and even fewer smiles. The NBA All-Star forward and former Finals MVP just isn't wired to be that way. He did finally break his silence, though.
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After months of nothing, then a trade from the San Antonio Spurs to the Toronto Raptors, the 6-foot-7 forward thanked the organization, his teammates, and its fans for the seven seasons of memories.
Kawhi Leonard releases first statements since trade to Toronto, saying goodbye to San Antonio and the Spurs: pic.twitter.com/XxSUEwbrQ6
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 9, 2018
This was very Leonard-like. Classy and appreciative, yet still leaving a lot of questions about his trade request unanswered.
San Antonio,
I have been going back and forth the last few weeks trying to figure out the right things to say, and it comes down to two simple words: THANK YOU!
My family and I want to say THANK YOU to the entire Spurs organization and the people and fans of San Antonio.
THANK YOU to every one of my teammates I've played with over my seven years in the NBA.
THANK YOU Pop I'll always be grateful for my growth under your guidance.
THANK YOU to the fans! There is not a more passionate or dedicated fan base than what I've witnessed in San Antonio.
Through all the ups and downs — I'm glad there were many more ups! I'll never forget what we have shared and accomplished together.
While I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my career, I'll always remember the city and the people of San Antonio!
THANK YOU!
— Kahwi Leonard
Leonard, along with Spurs teammate Danny Green, were traded to Toronto in exchange for All-Star shooting guard DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poetle, and a protected 2019 first-round pick.
Does anyone else find it slightly bizarre Leonard doesn't even mention Toronto in his statement? Or was just supposed to be about the Spurs and nobody else?
Leonard's lingering hamstring is also a question mark, too.
How healthy is he? Does Leonard already have one foot out of Canada to get ready for free agency next summer?
So many questions, so few answers. At least Leonard finally said something. That's a start.
