Kawhi Leonard refuses to answer questions about NBA investigation during Raptors media day

Kawhi Leonard announced at Toronto Raptors media day that he will not take questions about the NBA’s salary-cap circumvention investigation that hit the Los Angeles Clippers. He said he wants to focus on his role with the Raptors and that it has already been a distraction for about 70 days, so he prefers to put the episode behind him and look ahead.

As Bleacher Report notes, Leonard previously told fans and family through his agent that he takes responsibility for the lapses in judgment of some people within his circle and expressed regret for the disruption caused. He also claimed he had signed the contract with the Clippers and the agreements in question in good faith, unaware of any intent to circumvent the salary cap.

The league took severe action against the Clippers, including the loss of five future first-round draft picks, a $30 million fine and a one-year suspension of club owner Steve Ballmer, who was later reported to be accepting the ban.

After the delays caused by the investigation, Toronto sent forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, a swap for another first-rounder and two second-round picks to the Clippers to land Leonard. He then agreed to an additional two-year deal worth about $115 million, with a player option for the 2028–29 season.

Leonard is known as a man of few words, and his decision to avoid commenting on the summer episode came as no surprise; according to Bleacher Report, he wants to focus on his performance with Toronto and avoid media discussions about the investigation.