Kawhi Leonard's Return to Toronto Hampered by Knee Swelling
The star forward is sidelined indefinitely due to a swollen knee, just two games into his highly anticipated return.
Kawhi Leonard’s return to the Toronto Raptors has been cut short by a familiar foe: injury. Just two games into his comeback, Leonard is sidelined indefinitely with a swollen knee.
An MRI revealed no structural damage, indicating the issue is manageable through rest and rehabilitation. Leonard expressed his frustration via an X post Tuesday afternoon, stating, "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."
This latest setback marks a continuation of Leonard's history with knee issues. The 35-year-old forward experienced similar problems last season with irritation around the same left knee. However, this is not the same knee that required multiple surgeries, as he previously tore his right ACL in 2021 and later his meniscus in 2023.
Leonard missed the Raptors' recent game against the Timberwolves on Sunday due to fluid buildup around his knee joint. He has not played more than 70 games in a season since the 2016-17 season. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Leonard is expected to miss "a period of weeks," making it unlikely he will reach the 65-game threshold often required for year-end awards and All-NBA selections.
Leonard was also fined a small amount this offseason as a result of a salary-cap circumvention scheme involving his uncle Dennis. The Clippers organization, where Leonard previously played, faced significant penalties, including a $30 million fine and a one-year ban for owner Steve Ballmer.
With Leonard sidelined, the Raptors will look to players like former Knicks RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to help fill the offensive void. Scottie Barnes is expected to be the team's primary wing player.
The Raptors currently hold a 2-1 record, with both wins occurring when Leonard played limited minutes, topping out at 28 minutes across those two appearances.