Gregg Popovich, head coach of NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, answered a series of questions on Wednesday about the trade that sent All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard and their guard Danny Green to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for DeMar Derozan, Jakob Poeltl and a 2019 first-round protected pick.

“We talked often over the summer about a lot of different things both on and off the court. So attempts were made to see what would be best and in the end, this trade appeared and we felt that this was the way to go,” Popovich said.

Leonard’s team made it clear in June that the 2014 NBA FMVP wanted to leave San Antonio for Los Angeles, preferably for the Lakers. Both the Spurs and coach Pop tried to convince him to stay since Leonard became who he is today at the team and has been seen as its leader since Tim Duncan left. However, such efforts failed in the end.

Since then, San Antonio started to answer phone calls from multiple teams including the Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers, who all wanted a trade with Leonard. None of the talks led to anything until the Raptors got involved.

“At this point, my main interest is definitely not to look back. It doesn't do us any good whatsoever. I am thrilled to have DeMar and Jakob join us. From that point on, that is where my focus will be. I am not too interested in talking about the past,” Popovich said.

Though Leonard is not a Spur anymore, Pop said he was still willing to coach him again as part of the USA national basketball team, according to ESPN. As the new coach, Popovich will run a minicamp in Las Vegas next week. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne reported that Leonard was considering attending the camp.

Popovich spoke highly of Leonard: “Kawhi conducted himself wonderfully while he was here," Popovich said. "He helped us win a fifth championship. He was a hard worker, all the time. We wish him well but at this point it is time to move on.”

Leonard was accused of being unprofessional after he played only nine games last season and failed to show up for the team during the NBA playoffs. When asked about this, Pop defended the 27-year-old by answering: “That is all ridiculous. Kawhi was a great teammate the whole way through. He did his work and he was no problem for anybody. Talking heads out there have to have a story. If I was a talking head, maybe I am, I would have stories, too. All the stories that denigrated him in that regard, that was unfortunate and inaccurate.”

As part of the deal, DeMar Derozan apparently was not happy to be sent away, especially after the Raptors’ management team told him in Vegas that he will stay in Toronto. Popovich praised Derozan: “With DeMar coming to San Antonio, I couldn't be happier. I think this trade will be good for both teams. DeMar is a four-time All-Star, an All-NBA player, great in the community there, team player, somebody I have respected and watched play for a while now and we are thrilled to have him here.”