Toronto Raptors Star Kawhi Leonard Has Completed Left Knee Treatment; Will Begin Return-To-Play Process
TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors announced that small forward Kawhi Leonard has completed treatment to address left knee swelling.
Leonard will begin the return-to-play process in Toronto, and his progress will be updated by the team in one week.
Leonard has played in two games this season. He’s averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 32.4% from the field, 28.6% from beyond the arc and a perfect 100.0% from the free-throw line.
The Raptors are 4-3.
Leonard: ‘It’s Always Frustrating Missing Time’
Leonard released a statement on his X account about his knee injury on October 27.
As expected, the future Hall of Famer was frustrated.
“Yeah it’s always frustrating missing time,” Leonard said. “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. Godspeed. Whi.”
Leonard played in 65 games for the LA Clippers last season. It was the most games he appeared in since the 2023-24 season.
A two-time Finals MVP and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Leonard has career averages of 20.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in the regular season and 21.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game in the playoffs.
Raptors Gave Kawhi Extension After Clippers Trade
Toronto signed Leonard to a two-year, $115 million extension after acquiring the two-time champion from Los Angeles.
Leonard took $11 million less than his maximum extension number. He will make $50.3 million this season and has a player option for the 2028-29 season.
The 35-year-old Leonard now has three years and $165 million on his Raptors deal.
Leonard’s First Raptors Stint Was Outstanding
Leonard requested a trade from the San Antonio Spurs and was traded to the Raptors for DeMar DeRozan in July 2018.
The Raptors won 58 games during the 2018-19 season and were the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Leonard averaged 26.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game and made the All-Star team, the All-Defensive Second Team and the All-NBA Second Team during the 2018-19 season.
Behind Leonard, Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry, Toronto defeated the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks to reach the 2019 NBA Finals, where the Raptors faced the Golden State Warriors.
Toronto upset Golden State in six games to capture its first NBA championship. Leonard won Finals MVP after averaging 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game in the six-game series.
