Kawhi Leonard said goodbye to Clippers fans after six seasons with the team.
The star forward posted a video on Instagram with highlights throughout his time in LA with the phrase “thank you” centered in the frame.
“I truly appreciate your unwavering support during both the highs and lows. Thank you, Clip Nation,” Leonard wrote in his Instagram caption.
The 35-year-old notably turned off comments on the post.
Leonard’s departure comes at a nightmarish period for the Clippers organization. After the NBA’s investigation, the team was stripped of five first-round picks and fined $30 million. Owner Steve Ballmer faces a yearlong suspension for violating the league’s salary cap circumvention rules.
Leonard was also punished for his involvement in the scandal and was fined $700k. The Clippers initially traded the star forward to Toronto in June, but the trade was put on hold amid the NBA’s investigation.
After the findings were released, the NBA approved the deal and the trade became official.
Leonard returned to the Raptors at a convenient time as the Clippers will have to navigate uncertain times for the future of the franchise. Moreover, the organization is facing a potential federal criminal probe for circumventing the salary cap.
There are several question marks surrounding the Clippers following the league’s punishments. But Leonard will have no part in the team’s recovery from the scandal.
But he did manage to send one final message to Clippers fans.
