Kawhi Leonard releases statement following conclusion of NBA's investigation into Clippers

Kawhi Leonard has released a statement following the conclusion of the NBA's investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers. 

The league docked the Clippers five first-round draft picks and fined owner Steve Ballmer $30 million for violation of the league's salary cap circumvention rules when they signed Leonard in 2022. Leonard himself was fined $700,000. 

Shortly after the punishment was announced, Leonard released a statement, via his agent Harrison Gaines, in which he denies any knowingly breaking any rules. 

Here's the statement in full: 

“Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am. I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family.  

I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone's part to circumvent the salary cap.  

For 15 years, my priority has been giving everything to my family, the game, and those I share the court with. As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate."

This story will be updated. 

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