Kawhi Leonard Breaks Silence, Raptors Future Not His Focus

Toronto Raptors fans finally got to hear from Kawhi Leonard as he spoke for the first time during NBA media day Monday.

Leonard had not made any public comments since wanting out of the San Antonio Spurs earlier this summer. It was well-documented that he wanted a move to his native Los Angeles, however, he would eventually get traded to the Raptors where he will play for at least the 2018/19 season before his contract expires.

Despite speculation that he will likely leave Toronto as an unrestricted free agent next year with teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers reportedly interested, Leonard is simply focused on the present.

"I want to play here [in Toronto]," Leonard said during media day. "As long as I have on a jersey, I want to play basketball. I I came here with an open mind. I want to do great things, make sure I put all my effort on the court and by winning games, that's how you get [high] caliber players to want to come here and play ... My focus is on this year. If you're looking toward the future, you're going to trip over the present."

Asked for his reaction about getting traded to Toronto, Leonard added:

"Excited. I'm coming to a great city that loves basketball," Leonard said. "Great organization, happy that Danny [Green] was coming with me as well. Like I said, I'm excited about this city, knowing that they're a basketball city, their fans come out, show a lot of energy. You know, just being able to get on the next journey."

Much was made about why Leonard decided to want out of San Antonio. The main belief was having played nine games last season due to a quadriceps injury, he was frustrated not only with how the franchise mishandled his injury, but also public comments made by his teammates as well as head coach Gregg Popovich who expected him to return sooner.

Understandably, Leonard opted not to speak much about what led to his San Antonio departure.

"I have no regrets [about what's happened]," Leonard explained. "But I want to focus on this team, this journey that we have in front of us today, and just stay in the present time, and not look back."

As for his injury status, the 2014 NBA Finals MVP is "feeling great" and ready to start the new season when the Raptors kick off their campaign against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Oct. 17.

"Right now, I'm feeling great, ready to play basketball," he added. "Throughout the summer, I worked on my body, took it step by step. Just getting fully healthy, getting ready to make the extra step this season."

According to reports, Leonard may be open to a Toronto stay, particularly if they make the Western Conference or the NBA Finals. An ESPN projection index from late last month projected the franchise having a 25 percent chance of making the NBA Finals as well as a 10 percent chance of winning a first-ever championship.

Of course, landing Jimmy Butler would also help Raptors president Masai Ujiri's chances.