Kawhi Leonard Bids Farewell to Clippers Fans Following Raptors Trade
Star forward posts heartfelt message on Instagram amid team's sanctions.
Kawhi Leonard has issued a farewell message to Los Angeles Clippers fans, marking the end of his six-season tenure with the team. The star forward shared a video on Instagram featuring highlights from his time with the Clippers, accompanied by the caption, “I truly appreciate your unwavering support during both the highs and lows. Thank you, Clip Nation.”
Leonard notably disabled comments on the post. His departure comes as the Clippers organization faces significant sanctions following an NBA investigation. The team was stripped of five first-round draft picks and fined $30 million for violating the league's salary cap circumvention rules. Team owner Steve Ballmer also received a yearlong suspension.
Leonard himself was fined $700,000 for his involvement in the scandal. The trade that sent the forward to Toronto, initially agreed upon in June, was delayed pending the outcome of the NBA's investigation. The league's approval of the deal has now made the trade official.
The Clippers are navigating a tumultuous period, with the franchise facing a potential federal criminal probe into its salary cap practices. As the team confronts these challenges and questions about its future, Leonard will not be part of its recovery efforts from the scandal.