Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto has hit an early pause. The Raptors announced Tuesday that Leonard will miss at least one week while dealing with swelling in his left knee, putting his availability for the club’s immediate stretch on hold.
Leonard was removed from the lineup shortly before Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Testing did not show an acute injury, but Toronto said he will begin a treatment and rehabilitation plan intended to reduce the swelling.
The 35-year-old has played only two games this season, logging 26 minutes per night. He has posted 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game, though his shooting has been limited to 32% in that brief opening sample.
Any knee-related absence carries extra weight with Leonard, whose career has included repeated issues in that area. Toronto did not provide a specific return date beyond the minimum one-week timetable.
A familiar face in a familiar city
Leonard’s second Raptors stint began after the Los Angeles Clippers traded him to Toronto during the summer. He then signed a $115 million extension that could keep him with the Raptors through the 2028-29 season if he exercises his option.
He remains one of the defining players in franchise history, having led Toronto to its only NBA championship in 2019 and earned NBA Finals MVP honors in that run. Leonard has won the award twice overall, and the Raptors will now have to manage the opening part of his latest chapter without him in uniform.
