Kawhi Leonard Set to Miss Weeks with Knee Swelling in Toronto

Fresh Injury Delay for Toronto Star

Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a period of weeks due to swelling in his left knee. An MRI on the knee showed no structural damage, but both sides will use this time to ramp up the veteran star.

In a statement released by the team, the Raptors stated that Leonard will be reevaluated in one week. The 35 year old forward missed his first game of the current season on Sunday because of the knee swelling.

Knee History and Contract Details

The new swelling issue is in his left knee. Leonard has suffered from medical troubles in his right knee previously, having undergone multiple surgeries for his meniscus and ACL.

Leonard had an uncommon offseason this year. He was unable to join up with the Raptors until a resolution was reached in the NBA investigation into the salary cap circumvention case involving the LA Clippers.

He joined Toronto after a trade from the Clippers following a scandal marred end to his six seasons in Los Angeles. After the trade went through, Leonard agreed to a two year contract extension worth 115 million dollars with Toronto.

This is his first year back with the franchise. He previously played one season in Toronto, leading the Raptors to their only NBA championship in 2019 before leaving for the Clippers as a free agent. Before sitting out on Sunday, Leonard played in two games this season. In those two appearances, he averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game.