Kawhi Leonard. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- He still has to pass his physical, but disgruntled Spurs star Kawhi Leonard was finally shipped out of town. San Antonio moved Leonard and Danny Green to Toronto for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a protected 2019 first-round pick.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich tried to convince Leonard to stay over the course of the summer but, in the end, everyone decided a trade would be best.
"Kawhi conducted himself wonderfully while he was here," Pop said. "He helped us win a fifth championship. He was a hard worker all the time. We wish him well. But at this point, it's time to move on. I'm concerned about Jakob and Demar and our basketball team and putting that together. We've got a lot of young kids and it's exciting. But in no way shape or form does it do any good to go back in time and talk about A, B, or C."
Leonard's priority is reportedly to play in Los Angeles, but the Spurs didn't wish to move the former Finals MVP and two-time Defensive Player of the Year within the conference. Instead, they got a four-time All-Star in DeRozan who's under contract at least two more years.
The move could cost Leonard up to $80 million when he signs his next contract.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) reports