Kawhi Leonard's free agency decision didn't go how Toronto fans wanted, but Raptors fans are thankful anyway.
The NBA Finals MVP chose the Clippers, as Los Angeles was able to bring along Paul George in a trade. Also left behind in the Clippers madness was the decision from shooting guard Danny Green, who agreed to a deal with the Lakers. So that's two key players Toronto lost in the same night.
But despite Leonard and Green leaving, most Raptors fans looked at the positive side of things. Leonard and Green never asked to be in Toronto, but they adapted and brought the city its first NBA Finals win.
MORE: Raptors turned down trade involving Russell Westbrook, Paul George
It didn't take long before several Raptors fans offered their thanks to Leonard on social media. They even started their own hashtag #ThankYouKawhi.
Kawhi in Toronto montage
Kawhi chose home and you shouldn't be mad at that. #ThankYouKawhi pic.twitter.com/et40HjgtVX
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 6, 2019
Toronto mayor says goodbye to Kawhi
Our #KawhiWatch has ended. #ThankYouKawhi for the NBA championship that you helped to bring to Toronto with your @Raptors teammates. #ThanksKawhi #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/04fVCECnIw
— John Tory (@JohnTory) July 6, 2019
Raptors, Kawhi owned 2018-19
The Trade.
— LOYAL to a TEE (@LOYALtoaTEE) July 6, 2019
The Laugh.
The Fun Guy.
The Load Management.
The Shot.
The Chip.
Thank you for the best year this country could’ve asked for. What an impact this has made in basketball for the city & country. As @fredvanvleet once said, we’ll just have to kick his ass. #ThankYouKawhi pic.twitter.com/EJwe06MUNz
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Canada will always be grateful
For these moments, for this shot, for this chip, Canada will always be grateful. You’ve brought more than we could even ask for. Thank you Kawhi, all the best in SoCal❤️ #KingInTheNorth #ThankYouKawhi pic.twitter.com/g32ah7Kccn
— Simon Riopel (@sim_rip) July 6, 2019
Raptors still have bright future
Raptors had a 77% (17-5) win rate without Kawhi this year, They were a 60 win team in 2018, their future is Vanvleet, Sikam and Anunoby, they still have Lowry and Gasol, their led by Masai Ujiri and coached by Nick Nurse, Toronto has an amazing future#NBAtwitter #ThankYouKawhi
— Jay (@JayOnSports) July 6, 2019
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Saying farewell
Well..... that was fun.
— Lucas Meyer (@meyer_lucas) July 6, 2019
2 of these 3 now gone. #ThankYouKawhi .. and Danny. pic.twitter.com/q92E5X6yzT
#ThankYouKawhi
Kawhi never asked to be in Toronto.
— ty (@Ieafsdiehard) July 6, 2019
Kawhi never wanted to play in Toronto.
He made the most of his time, and poured every ounce of his being into the team during his short tenure. Now, all hes doing is continuing his career the way he initially planned.
Respect.#ThankYouKawhi
"It seemed inevitable."
So Kawhi is to the Clippers, and Danny Green to the Lakers.
— Mark Grondin (@SpectrumPulse) July 6, 2019
Honestly, when Kawhi said he didn't want any short term deals, it seemed inevitable, given a rebuild was coming next year anyway.
Still playoffs, but the road got WAY tougher.
Still, #ThankYouKawhi. It was fun. :)
"Remember the joy Kawhi brought you this season."
In the midst of your disappointment, I hope y’all remember the joy Kawhi Leonard, in particular, brought you this season, understand the pull of home & take solace in the fact that the brains of this Raptors operation are still in tact (maybe with a little chip on its shoulder.) https://t.co/oFNtmPVddw
— Laura Armstrong (@lauraarmy) July 6, 2019
Kawhi deserves a standing ovation
Kawhi should get a standing ovation every single time he plays in Toronto for the rest of his life. There shouldn't be a single boo ever.
— Faizal Khamisa (@SNFaizalKhamisa) July 6, 2019
MORE: NBA Twitter pokes fun at Lakers following Clippers' moves
Raptors fans understand
I'm not a millionaire pro basketball player, but I know how huge the draw of home is. I've made career moves over the last decade to get closer to home, and even though I passed on some opportunities, they're some of the best decisions I've ever made. #ThankYouKawhi
— Waubgeshig Rice (@waub) July 6, 2019
Can't be mad
Can't be mad with Kawhi and Danny. They went to the Raptors and won a championship for Canada. Two of the most humble, hardworking NBA players today. Thank you for everything you did this past season. Good luck with the rest of your careers! #ThankYouKawhi #ThankYouDanny LEGENDS. pic.twitter.com/O00bXBowR0
— Hanna 🍌 ZIMZALABIM! (@beanieandbeyond) July 6, 2019
Sad Drake feelings
All of these feels at once!!!! #ThankYouKawhi pic.twitter.com/eJ2LxcGf7e
— Jim Richards Sh🎙wgram (@JIMrichards1010) July 6, 2019
"He didn't owe us anything."
Well, he didn’t owe us anything. #ThankYouKawhi for the ship 🙏🏽
— Devo Brown (@devobrown) July 6, 2019
This city & this country appreciates you. @Raptors fans...this hurts but we will be ok. #KawhiWatch #6ix #Toronto #Raptors pic.twitter.com/UpfkXDUeDT
The iconic Raptors moment
the most iconic raptors moment ever #ThankYouKawhi pic.twitter.com/uZfZcQdold
— aubaine niyonkuru (@aubaine16) July 6, 2019
Kawhi the legend
Thank you Kawhi.
— BarDown (@BarDown) July 6, 2019
Canada will always appreciate you. pic.twitter.com/lFHUiaJxgY
Sad to see him go
Sad to see him go but thankful for everything he gave this city. Kawhi, thank you for this year, good luck in LA! #ThankYouKawhi pic.twitter.com/vuBfHSj16I
— Aidan Cole Currie (@aidan_curried) July 6, 2019
