Just because Kawhi Leonard wanted out of San Antonio doesn't mean he isn't grateful for his time as a Spur.
Leonard had a bitter exit from San Antonio after he requested for a trade for his lack of trust in the Spurs organization.
My family and I want to say THANK YOU to the entire Spurs organization and the people and fans of San Antonio.
Though some are more heartfelt and less robotic, thank-you letters by traded players rarely say much significantly.
He also thanked the fans (again). "While I am looking forward to the next chapter in my career, I'll always remember the city and the people of San Antonio".
Leonard didn't directly mention Toronto or the Raptors, but did say that he was "looking forward to the next chapter in my career". There is not a more passionate or dedicated fan base than what I've witnessed in San Antonio.
"Through ups and downs - glad there were many more ups!" - I'll never forget what we have shared and accomplished together.
In Thursday morning's episode of 'Get Up!' on ESPN, Jay Williams says he's not buying it. Williams believes that Leonard's camp has to do some image fix for their star who was cast as the villain ever since he declined to play for the Spurs despite getting clearance from the medical staff. Leonard, who missed almost all of the 2017 season with the Spurs with a mysterious quad injury that plagued him throughout the year, was reportedly asking to be traded by the Spurs behind closed doors.
"It's going to be a very intriguing season, a very exciting season, and I'm just excited to be a part of the Spurs", Walker said.
He was traded to the Raptors in July, along with Danny Green, in exchange for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a protected 2019 first-round pick.