Mar 21, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) runs back up court during the game between the Mavericks and the Clippers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
When Kawhi Leonard first joined the Clippers in 2019, nobody imagined it would end the way it did. But now, in the aftermath of the cap-circumvention scandal, it’s hard to call his tenure there anything other than an unmitigated disaster.
Throughout the whole process, Kawhi has been relatively quiet, offering little in the way of an explanation for his role in the scheme. But today, as a member of the Toronto Raptors, Leonard finally addressed the Clippers directly, saying goodbye as he reflected on the memories.
“I truly appreciate your unwavering support during both the highs and lows. Thank you, Clip Nation,” wrote Leonard in the caption.
The video features some of Leonard’s best moments as a Clipper, including multiple game-winners and high-stakes shot-making. Besides the overlay text that thanked Clipper Nation, Leonard kept his statement short and sweet, showing general appreciation for their support. Naturally, he turned off comments, preventing any toxicity from plaguing the post.
It’s an admirable gesture from Kawhi, even if it is the bare minimum, but it does little to improve his standing with the fanbase. His tenure cost them everything, and he left them in the dust without anything to show for it. While the fans couldn’t express their outrage directly, many responded with separate posts on other social platforms.
“Guy won nothing, demolished their franchise, and gave them a one-sentence exit message,” read one comment. “I’d hate the guy forever if I was a Clippers fan.”
With averages of 25.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game on 50.3% shooting as a Clipper, Leonard will go down as one of the franchise’s most talented players, but his legacy will always be tied to the scandal and his iconic “load management” tactics.
“Thanks for the load management and ruining the franchise for 10 years,” a fan posted candidly.
For many people, it’s not just Kawhi’s exit that’s the problem. It’s how he controlled and manipulated the franchise to do his bidding, only to fail to hold up his end of the bargain. He forced them to trade for Paul George, forced them to comply with his illegal demands, and then demanded the freedom to sit out games at his leisure. Unfortunately, it never led to anything notable.
“I love Kawhi so much, but he didn’t give the Clippers anything memorable for them to hold on to,” posted a disgruntled Clippers fan.
While the statement itself was lackluster, not every Clippers fan holds a grudge against Leonard. Ultimately, it was on Steve Ballmer and the team executives to set clear boundaries and comply with NBA protocol.
“Call me crazy, but I don’t blame Kawhi,” one fan wrote. “If he asked for shady deals, then it was on Ballmer to shut it down and pursue a different star. The buck stops with him, and he clearly failed to operate a clean organization.”
With the Raptors trade now officially done, both sides are ready to move on and look to the future. Of course, that will be much easier for Leonard as he joins a stacked Raptors team that went 46-36 last season. It will take the Clippers years to recover, and their fans will have to endure it.
So, when it comes to final goodbyes, it doesn’t take a genius to see why Kawhi’s statement fails to hit the mark. After practically destroying the Clippers, he has yet to take accountability, instead blaming his “inner circle.” What’s worse is that he’s showing no remorse or regret over his actions, giving the Clippers fans even more reasons to detest the two-time champion.