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Kawhi not looking ahead to free agency: 'My focus is on this year'

Steve Russell / Toronto Star / Getty

Kawhi Leonard had his long-awaited introduction to the Toronto media on Monday, and the Raptors' new franchise player stayed on-brand as a man of few words.

"Excited, knowing I'm coming to a great city that loves basketball," Leonard said when asked about his reaction to the trade that brought him to Canada from the San Antonio Spurs. "Their fans come out and show a lot of energy."

The two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year said he's focused on making this a season to remember for the Raptors, but avoided talking about what will happen beyond next summer, when he can become an unrestricted free agent. Multiple reports link him to his hometown of Los Angeles, specifically the Clippers.

"I look at it as a day-to-day process ... my focus is on this year," he said. "This group that I have. We all want to win. If you look into the future you're going to trip over the present."

Leonard also avoided getting into details about his protracted divorce from the Spurs, the only NBA franchise he's played for thus far.

"I have no regrets," he said. "I want to focus on this team and this jersey today and I have no regrets."

Leonard was acquired on July 18 along with Danny Green for the Raptors' all-time leading scorer, DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and a draft pick in an all-in move meant to get Toronto to the NBA Finals.

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