Kawhi releases first statement since trade, thanks Spurs fans, organization

Kawhi Leonard has finally broken his silence, releasing his first statement since being dealt by the San Antonio Spurs to the Toronto Raptors.

The stoic two-time Defensive Player of the Year thanked his former Spurs teammates, head coach Gregg Popovich, and the city of San Antonio.

Leonard added he's looking forward to the next chapter of his career, almost two weeks after newly appointed Raptors head coach Nick Nurse had a very optimistic meeting with the 2014 NBA Finals MVP.

The Spurs' relationship with Leonard continually soured throughout the course of last season, with the superstar saying very little in the process. He played just nine games in 2017-18 due to a nagging quad injury which he accused the organization of misdiagnosing.

Leonard made it clear he was only interested in playing in Los Angeles before the Spurs dealt him north of the border in exchange for four-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan.