Kawhi Leonard Won't Take Questions on NBA Investigation at Raptors Media Day After Clippers Trade

Toronto Raptors star forward Kawhi Leonard opened his media day appearance on Monday by declaring that he won't take questions regarding the NBA's investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers' alleged salary cap circumvention.

"I'm excited to be here. I know why some of you guys came, you want to hear about the investigation," Leonard told reporters. "But talking with the NBA and the PA, I think the best decision is to move forward and focus on my time being a Toronto Raptor. I already was a distraction for the past 70 days. ... Moving forward, I just want to talk about the Toronto Raptors today."

Leonard referred to his previous statement on the NBA's investigation in which he said through his agent that he accepted "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," he added.

The Clippers incurred severe punishments that included the loss of five future first-round draft picks, a fine of $30 million and a year-long suspension of team owner Steve Ballmer. After initially disputing the penalties, Ballmer announced that he would accept the one-year ban.

After a delay due to the investigation, the Raptors sent forward Brandon Ingram, guard Gradey Dick, two unprotected first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two second-rounders to the Clippers to acquire Leonard, who later agreed to a two-year, $115 million contract extension with Toronto plus a player option for the 2028-29 season.

Leonard has been known to be a man of few words, so it's not a surprise that he's not interested in discussing the offseason controversy as he tries to move forward with the Raptors.