Kawhi Leonard issued a statement Wednesday through his new agent, Harrison Gaines, responding to the findings of the NBA's investigation into salary cap circumvention violations involving Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Toronto Raptors agreed to trade for Leonard in June and that trade is now expected to become official with the NBA's investigation complete.

"Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am," said Leonard. "I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family.

"I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone's part to circumvent the salary cap.

"For 15 years, my priority has been giving everything to my family, the game, and those I share the court with. As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate."

Leonard's statement follows the NBA's announcement that he and the Clippers were penalized for violations of the league's salary cap circumvention rules. The league found that Leonard, through the conduct of his then-business manager, Dennis Robertson, pressured the Clippers to help him obtain off-court income opportunities and failed to reimburse the team for personal expenses paid on his behalf.

As part of the penalties, Leonard is required to pay the league $700,000. Robertson has been banned from conducting business with NBA teams on behalf of any player or team personnel for five years.