Kawhi Leonard to miss several weeks with knee issue for Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors, a club in the North American professional basketball league NBA, will be without forward Kawhi Leonard for several weeks, ESPN reporter Shams Charania has reported. Leonard has been diagnosed with swelling in his left knee. The Raptors have started the new season with two wins in three games.

An MRI scan showed no structural damage to the knee. Even so, while the player cannot fully return to the lineup, the team intends to use the period to help him regain form after a turbulent offseason.

Move to Toronto

The 35-year-old Leonard joined Toronto this summer. The league initially halted a trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Raptors while an investigation was carried out. The deal was eventually completed, and he signed a two-year contract with the Raptors.

In two games at the start of the season, Leonard averaged 19.5 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Return to a former club

Leonard has played for Toronto before. In 2019 he helped the Raptors win their first NBA championship. Earlier, in 2014, he won a title with the San Antonio Spurs. On both occasions he was named Most Valuable Player of the Finals.