Toronto Raptors Get Bad News On Kawhi Leonard Injury

It's always a concern with Kawhi Leonard, and the Toronto Raptors came into their reunion with the superstar fully aware of his history with his knees. Nevertheless, it's a brutal blow to learn that Leonard will now be out for "a period of weeks" after making just two starts for the Raptors.

Toronto's Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a period of weeks due to swelling in his left knee, sources tell ESPN. MRI on Leonard's knee showed no structural damage, but sides will use the shorter term to ramp him back up after the stoppages during the offseason. https://t.co/DBAgI3v38D

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 27, 2026

Kawhi missed their game Sunday night due to swelling in his left knee. An MRI, however, showed no structural damage.

The Raptors say that Leonard will undergo treatment and a rehab program and will be re-evaluated in one week.

On Sunday, Kawhi went through his normal pre-game warm-up in Minnesota before he was declared a late scratch with the swelling.

The good news is that the last time he missed time with an injury to his left knee was back in 2019. It's the right knee that has undergone three surgeries over the past five years. He has experienced occasional swelling or irritation in his left knee at times, which is the case now.

This is part of the Kawhi experience, as I talked about after the loss to Minnesota. The Raptors knew they would have to play (and win) games without him, and now that will be tested early. He'll miss at least the next 4 games (vs ORL, vs ORL, at LAL, at LAC), likely more.

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 27, 2026

Leonard returned to the Raptors this season in a big offseason trade with the LA Clippers, the team he left Toronto for after their NBA championship together in 2019. 

He signed a two-year extension for $115 million upon his return to the Raptors. That deal kicks in next year. 

Kawhi posted a message to Toronto fans today after learning of the diagnosis and timeline.

Raptors' Kawhi Leonard posted the following statement: "Yeah it's always frustrating missing time. 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" https://t.co/AP9uYciLIr

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 27, 2026

The Raptors are 2-1 on the season, having won both of the game that Leonard played in. 

Kawhi will now miss the Raptors' only game on his former home turf against the LA Clippers, which comes up next week.