Kawhi Leonard remained silent for the most of trade saga which ultimately saw him leaving the San Antonio Spurs and ending up with the Toronto Raptors. Now, after the trade is finalized, Leonard spoke out for the first time via a farewell letter sent to San Antonio Express-News.
In this letter, Kawhi Leonard summed everything he feels in two simple words: “Thank you.” The 27-year-old thanked San Antonio Spurs organization, coach Gregg Popovich, former teammates and the fans.
“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!” – Leonard wrote. “My family and I want to say THANK YOU to the entire Spurs organization and the people and fans of San Antonio.“
Spurs decided to trade Kawhi Leonard after the relationship between the two sides became irreparable. Leonard didn’t like the way the team’s doctors handled his injury last season and felt like he couldn’t trust organization anymore. He then asked to be traded and listed Los Angeles Lakers or Clippers as his preferred destinations, wanting to return to his hometown.
But Spurs ended up sending him out of the country, accepting the offer they think was the best.
“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,” – Leonard concluded his letter. “While I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my career, I’ll always remember the city and the people of San Antonio!“
