Toronto Raptors fans woke up to the news that Kawhi Leonard had made his decision.
And unlike what Raps fans were hoping for, Leonard decided not to stay.
The NBA Finals MVP is going home to Los Angeles, but not to play for the Lakers. He’s going to the Clippers, along with Paul George, who was acquired in a surprising trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While the news shocked fans, Canadians decided to express their goodbyes by showing Leonard gratitude for what he has done for the Raptors this year.
By Saturday morning, hours after the initial news of his decision, #ThankyouKawhi was trending in Canada and became the number one Twitter trend shortly after.
From that shot, to that win, and the ultimate celebration, Raptors fans were grateful for it all.
And as one fan said, “Board man gets thanks.”
See also
- Kawhi Leonard leaving Raptors to sign with LA Clippers
- Danny Green also leaving Raptors, signs with Lakers
- Fans react to Kawhi Leonard leaving Toronto Raptors
#ThankYouKawhi is the number one Twitter Trend in Canada 👏🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/mgGbBgPWMp
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 6, 2019
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
#ThankYouKawhi Thank you for bringing us the championship and all the joy you brought the city of Toronto! You'll be missed!! pic.twitter.com/xZP4rVZKs5
— Rachel (@RachelAstrid) July 6, 2019
Brought a major title to Toronto and I can't hate a dude wanting to go home#ThankYouKawhi
— E D B O I (@eddythemouse) July 6, 2019
The shot. The win. The parade.
For all of it, Board man gets thanks.
#ThankYouKawhi pic.twitter.com/iYPhqmAbVC
— Andrew Tumilty (@AndrewTumilty) July 6, 2019
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
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
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” – Dr. Seuss #ThankYouKawhi pic.twitter.com/Xr49t7qpZK
— Wayne Glensky (@31rchan) July 6, 2019
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
We'll always have this moment #ThankYouKawhi #RTZ #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/tXlbUK04Mn
— neil gorman (@neil_gorman) July 6, 2019
Masai did everything he could.
The Raptors did everything they could.
Toronto did everything we could.
Kawhi gave us all he had and decided to go home. #ThankYouKawhi pic.twitter.com/J8c6qNxl4z— 🏆 Michelle 🏆 (@michelleinblue) July 6, 2019
He helped get us this moment so #ThankYouKawhi pic.twitter.com/Kbm3jhHLgN
— Anne Marie Aikins (@femwriter) July 6, 2019
With files from Rob Williams