Clippers interim boss thanks Kawhi Leonard, addresses leadership

In his first public comments since taking over the franchise, Clippers interim CEO/governor John Gibson thanked Kawhi Leonard after the franchise sent the star forward back to Toronto via trade. As part of a nearly five-minute long video the Clippers released, Gibson addressed multiple topics about the franchise, including briefly touching on the trade involving Leonard, the Clippers’ new leadership structure and moving forward. After 2 ½ months of waiting, the Clippers officially traded Leonard to the Raptors on Sept.14, nearly two weeks after the NBA punished the Clippers for circumventing the league’s salary cap by “initiating off-court income opportunities” for Leonard with four different companies that also did business with the team. The Clippers received Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round draft picks (2031 and 2033), one first-round draft pick swap (2027) and two second-round picks in the transaction. The trade brought an end to what was a disappointing era for the Clippers.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story Leonard led the franchise to just two playoff series victories during his seven seasons with the franchise. The lone time the Clippers won multiple playoff series in the same postseason came in 2021, when the franchise advanced to the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise history after Leonard tore the ACL in his right knee midway through the second round series against the Jazz.“We thank Kawhi for his contributions on the court and wish him well,” Gibson said.

“At the same time, we are excited to welcome Brandon Ingram along with offseason additions Gradey Dick, Rui Hachimura, and Max Strus.They join a talented core that includes Darius Garland, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., Brook Lopez, ...