Raptors losing Kawhi Leonard for multiple weeks with knee injury

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Raptors losing Kawhi Leonard for multiple weeks with knee injury

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 27, 2026 12:08 PM ET

The return of Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors was a major storyline of the NBA offseason.

Leonard returning to a place where he helped bring the first championship in franchise history was a major reason for Raptors fans to build excitement headed into the season.

A 2-0 start with Leonard on the court furthered that excitement, but a loss without him and the latest injury news will lower the excitement level for a period of time.

Kawhi Leonard will miss a "period of weeks"

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Leonard is going to miss a "period of weeks" while dealing with swelling in his left knee.

Leonard had MRIs done that revealed no structural damage, something that could be considered a good silver lining. According to Charania, Toronto is opting to take a slow approach to Leonard's return after he was unable to complete offseason workouts with the team.

In two games, Leonard had averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 32.4% from the field and 25% from three-point range.

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. pic.twitter.com/DBAgI3v38D
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 27, 2026

Who steps up without Kawhi Leonard on the court?

Without its star player, Toronto will look to others to up their production and help carry the load. That starts with Scottie Barnes, who has struggled in the early part of the season. Barnes has been poor from the field, as he is shooting just 35.1% overall and 14.3% from three-point range.

In his most recent game, Barnes did not score in 28 minutes of play, going 0-for-12 from the field. It was just the second time in the career of Barnes that happened, something that the Raptors can't afford to have happen again without Leonard.

If Barnes is able to provide a bit more offense alongside RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, Toronto should be able to manage the upcoming stretch without its star player.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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