Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to be out for a period of weeks because of swelling in his left knee, according to sources who spoke with ESPN's Shams Charania.
An MRI on the knee revealed no structural damage. Even so, the sources said both Leonard and the club plan to use the time away to build him back up gradually. The team said in a statement that he will be reevaluated in one week.
Leonard, 35, has had an unusual offseason. He was unable to join the Raptors until the NBA had settled its investigation into the LA Clippers and their alleged circumvention of the salary cap.
The forward addressed the setback in a post on X, saying he is frustrated to be on the sideline. "Yeah, it's always frustrating missing time," Leonard wrote. "I came back to compete with this team and I'm focused on getting back to 100. Toronto, I've appreciated the love since I've been back. Returning soon."
The current problem involves his left knee. His past trouble has centered on the right knee, which has required multiple surgeries on the meniscus and the ACL.
Leonard has played in two games this season, averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals. He sat out his first game of the year on Sunday because of the swelling.
This is his first season back with Toronto. The Raptors acquired him in a trade with the Clippers during the offseason, ending a six-year stint in Los Angeles that finished amid scandal. After the trade, he agreed to a two-year, $115 million contract extension with the club.
Leonard has history with the franchise. He spent one earlier season in Toronto, guiding the Raptors to their only NBA championship in 2019, and then departed for the Clippers in free agency.
