Kawhi Leonard releases first statement since being traded to the Raptors

Kawhi Leonard has always been a man of few words over the course of his NBA career and since he was traded to the Raptors, he hasn't said a word about the deal.

That changed Thursday morning, though, as Leonard released his first statement since the blockbuster deal that sent him to Toronto went down nearly a month ago.

Leonard's message was not about the next chapter of his career, it was about thanking the Spurs, the only team Leonard has ever played for in the NBA.

While things didn't exactly end the way anyone wanted them to end, Leonard gave everything he had to that franchise and city and helped bring a championship to San Antonio in 2014 when he won Finals MVP.

Regardless of what transpired last season, it was the right thing to do to thank the Spurs, Pop, and the fans for everything they did for him during his time in San Antonio.  A new chapter is on the horizon, though, and this statement seems to close the previous chapter of Leonard's career.