TORONTO — NBA insider Chris Haynes reports that Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss 3-4 weeks.
Leonard is dealing with swelling in his left knee.
Haynes Headlines: Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard (knee) is expected to be sidelined for at least 3-4 weeks, sources tell me. @NBATV https://t.co/nlbZ0IKizP
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) October 29, 2026
An MRI on Leonard’s knee showed no structural damage, but Leonard will miss multiple weeks.
The Raptors acquired Leonard from the LA Clippers this offseason. Leonard played for Toronto in 2018-19 and led the franchise to the 2019 championship against the Golden State Warriors.
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.
Kawhi: ‘It’s Always Frustrating Missing Time’
Leonard released a statement on his X account about his knee injury.
As expected, the future Hall of Famer is 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 Clippers last season. It was the most games he appeared in since the 2023-24 season.
A two-time Finals MVP, 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 Leonard 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 Unforgettable
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 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.
