Kawhi Leonard Out Weeks for Raptors Due to Knee Swelling

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a period of weeks because of swelling in his left knee, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. An MRI on the knee showed no structural damage, according to ESPN, and the team and player will use the time off to ramp Leonard back into game shape.

How long will Kawhi Leonard be out?

The Raptors said in a statement that Leonard will be reevaluated in one week, per ESPN. The outlet's reporting indicates the absence is expected to stretch into "weeks," though no firm return date has been set. Leonard, 35, already missed Sunday's game due to the swelling before the team confirmed the broader timeline.

What did the MRI find?

According to ESPN's sourcing, the MRI on Leonard's left knee came back clean of structural damage. That distinguishes this issue from the injuries that have plagued his right knee throughout his career, which required multiple surgeries, including procedures on his meniscus and ACL. The absence of structural damage means the current plan centers on reducing swelling and managing Leonard's workload rather than surgical repair.

Why is this Leonard's first full season with the Raptors since 2019?

Leonard could not join Toronto for the start of training camp this offseason because of the NBA's investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers' salary cap circumvention case, ESPN reported. He was traded to the Raptors from the Clippers after what ESPN described as a scandal-marred conclusion to his six seasons in Los Angeles. Leonard then signed a two-year, $115 million contract extension with Toronto following the trade.

The arrangement marks a return for Leonard to the only franchise with which he has won an NBA title. He led the Raptors to their sole championship in 2019 before departing for the Clippers in free agency that same offseason. Through two games this season, Leonard was averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals, per ESPN, before the knee swelling sidelined him.

What has Leonard said about missing time?

Leonard addressed the injury directly in a post on X, cited by ESPN.

"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."

The statement signals Leonard's own expectation of a near-term return, though the team's one-week reevaluation window leaves the exact length of the absence unresolved.

What is Leonard's knee injury history?

Leonard's left knee has not previously been a focal point of his medical history; his right knee has. He has undergone multiple surgeries on that knee, including procedures tied to meniscus tears and an ACL injury, according to ESPN's reporting. The current swelling in the left knee is a separate issue, and the clean MRI result limits comparisons to the more serious right-knee procedures that shaped much of his recent career, including a lengthy rehabilitation that cost him significant playing time with the Clippers.

Key terms in this story

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): An imaging scan doctors use to check for structural damage — torn ligaments, cartilage, or cartilage — inside a joint without surgery.

Meniscus: Cartilage that cushions the knee joint; tears here are among the most common basketball injuries and have affected Leonard's right knee previously.

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament): A ligament that stabilizes the knee; ACL tears typically require surgical reconstruction and extended rehab, which Leonard has undergone before.

Salary cap circumvention: An NBA rules violation involving teams or players structuring deals to exceed or evade the league's spending limits; the league's investigation into the Clippers delayed Leonard's move to Toronto this offseason.

The Raptors' next moves will depend on how Leonard responds during the coming week. ESPN's report leaves open whether the swelling resolves quickly or extends his absence further into the season. For now, the team is treating the issue as manageable rather than structural, and Leonard has publicly committed to returning once healthy.

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