Popovich believes Kawhi trade will 'work out great for both teams'
Gregg Popovich is finally able to exhale from the Kawhi Leonard saga.
In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, following the official announcement of the Leonard-DeMar DeRozan trade, Popovich was optimistic about the deal.
"We wish him well as he moves to Toronto, I think he'll be great," Popovich said about Leonard, according to Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post. "I couldn't be happier."
"I think this trade is going to work out great for both teams," he added.
Heading to San Antonio, DeRozan is coming off his best season as a pro, averaging 23 points and 5.2 assists per game en route to his fourth All-Star nod and a spot on the All-NBA second team.
"Kawhi is not going to stop being a great player. But we're thrilled with DeMar," he said. "To get back a proven NBA player and a proven All-Star, we have to be thrilled," he added.
Both players are expected to attend Team USA mini-camp where Popovich will be making his debut as head coach of the program, though he dispelled any notion of a rift between the parties and is excited to get back on the court.
"I look forward to it," he said.