Kawhi Leonard has officially bid farewell to Clippers fans after spending six years with the team.
He shared a video on Instagram showcasing highlights from his time in Los Angeles, with “thank you” prominently displayed in the center.
In his caption, Leonard expressed, “I truly appreciate your unwavering support during both the highs and lows. Thank you, Clip Nation.”
The 35-year-old took the unusual step of disabling comments on the post.
Leonard’s exit occurs at a tumultuous time for the Clippers organization, which recently faced severe penalties from the NBA. The league’s investigation led to the team losing five first-round draft picks and incurring a $30 million fine. Additionally, owner Steve Ballmer is facing a one-year suspension for breaching salary cap rules.
In connection with the scandal, Leonard was also fined $700,000. Initially, the Clippers had traded him to Toronto back in June, but that deal was stalled due to the ongoing investigation.
After the NBA’s findings were made public, the trade was approved, and Leonard’s move back to the Raptors was finalized. This comes at a particularly complicated period for the Clippers as they navigate the aftermath of the investigation and potential federal scrutiny regarding salary cap violations.
The future appears uncertain for the Clippers in light of these developments, and Leonard won’t be around to help the team as they rebuild from this scandal.
However, he did take the time to send one last message to the fans who supported him throughout his journey.
