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The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday that Kawhi Leonard is continuing the reconditioning process after treatment to address swelling in his left knee. The team said in its release that an update will be provided in a week.
The release did not include a return date. Leonard has missed eight consecutive games since appearing in Toronto’s first two of the season. In those two games, he averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists with 3.5 steals on 12-of-37 shooting from the field.
Without him, Toronto is 3-5. The Raptors fell to 5-5 on Monday with a 118-102 home loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, a game they played without three starters, according to The Associated Press.
Kawhi Leonard’s Left Knee Timeline Since October
About an hour before Toronto’s 117-94 loss at the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 25, the Raptors ruled Leonard out, CTV News reported. Two days later, the team announced he would undergo a treatment and rehabilitation program for the swelling. Tests showed no acute injury to the knee, the Raptors said, and he was set to be re-evaluated in a week.
Leonard posted a statement on social media on Oct. 27, according to Complex.
“It’s always frustrating missing time,” Leonard wrote. “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,” Leonard added. “Returning soon.”
On Oct. 29, Chris Haynes reported that Leonard was expected to miss three to four weeks.
The Raptors said Nov. 3 that Leonard had completed treatment and would begin the return-to-play process in Toronto. That evening, Josh Lewenberg of TSN reported that Toronto listed Leonard as out for the next night’s game in Denver because of “left knee injury management” rather than “left knee swelling.”
Five days later, Lewenberg reported that Leonard was back with the team and receiving treatment in Toronto but had not been cleared for on-court activity. Tuesday’s release used the phrase “reconditioning process.”
Leonard’s Knee History And Contract
Leonard, 35, is in his 15th NBA season. He missed all of 2021-22 after tearing the ACL in his right knee, and that knee has also required surgery for a torn meniscus. In 2024-25, he appeared in 37 games for the Los Angeles Clippers.
In January, the Clippers sent Leonard home from a road trip to receive treatment for knee irritation, NBC Sports reported. He played 65 games in 2025-26. His 27.9 points per game were a career high, and he added 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 50.5% shooting. Leonard made the All-NBA Second Team and finished seventh in MVP voting.
Leonard spoke at a news conference in Toronto in September, in comments reported by AP.
“I played 65 (games) last year,” Leonard said. “Hopefully this year I can play more and even build on that, adding games in the playoffs.”
Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic was quoted in the same report.
“To be honest with you, I want Kawhi to play 82 games and 48 minutes every night,” Rajakovic said. “But the reality is, his age and his history with injuries, we’ve got to be super smart there.”
Toronto and Los Angeles agreed to the trade June 30 and finalized it Sept. 14, according to Raptors Republic, after a delay tied to the NBA’s investigation into salary cap circumvention involving Leonard and the Clippers. The Raptors sent Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick to the Clippers. The deal also sent unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, second-round picks in 2030 and 2033, and a 2027 first-round swap to Los Angeles, per NBA.com.
The league’s penalties against the Clippers included a $30 million fine, the forfeiture of five first-round picks, and a one-year suspension for owner Steve Ballmer, according to AP.
Leonard agreed in September to a two-year extension worth up to $115 million. He is making just over $50 million this season, the last year of his current contract.
Toronto Raptors Schedule Through Leonard’s Next Update
Toronto hosts the Boston Celtics at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday at Scotiabank Arena. Boston was 8-2 entering Tuesday’s game at the Philadelphia 76ers, the first night of a back-to-back.
On Thursday, the Raptors visit Philadelphia at 7 p.m. ET. Toronto then hosts the New York Knicks at 6 p.m. ET Sunday.
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