Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard out with left knee swelling after $115M extension
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The gist
Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard was ruled out against the Timberwolves with left knee swelling and will undergo testing.
The injury comes weeks after Toronto committed $115 million to the 35-year-old former MVP.
Background
Kawhi Leonard is a 35-year-old Toronto Raptors forward and former MVP whom Toronto reacquired this offseason in a blockbuster trade from the Los Angeles Clippers, then signed to a two-year, $115-million US extension. His first Raptors stint in 2018-19 delivered the franchise's only championship, and he has dealt with knee injuries throughout his career, though he played 65 games with the Clippers last season. Since reacquiring him, the Raptors have moved to manage his load and playing time to preserve him through the year, which is why the swelling is drawing scrutiny so early in the season.
How it unfolded
- Oct 21, 2026Leonard opened the Raptors season with 23 points, six rebounds and four steals in a 135-92 win over the Bulls, having signed a two-year, $115-million US extension.
- Oct 24, 2026His streak of 20-plus point games was snapped at 58; he had gone 12-for-36 from the field through the first two games.
- Oct 25, 2026Leonard was ruled out an hour before tip-off against the Minnesota Timberwolves with left knee swelling; the team said he would undergo testing Monday with his status updated Tuesday. Toronto lost 117-94.
- Oct 27, 2026An injury update raised new concerns for the Raptors weeks after their $115 million commitment to Leonard.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The Raptors said Leonard was ruled out with left knee swelling and would undergo further testing Monday, with his status updated Tuesday.
- Caution
- Coach Darko Rajakovic told reporters after the loss that Leonard will undergo testing, and the update raised new concerns weeks after the extension.
Still unverified
Leonard's condition beyond left knee swelling is undetermined pending further testing; Ja'Kobe Walter was only expected, not confirmed, to start in his place.