Raptors' Kawhi Leonard expected to miss more time than first expected with knee injury

This summer was a big one for the Toronto Raptors as they look to get back into championship conversations. Toronto knew heading into the offseason that they were going to do whatever it takes to build a roster that could legitimately compete.

In doing so, they found themselves with an opportunity to bring back a very familiar face in Kawhi Leonard. The trade for Leonard was made official in the middle of September.

"The trade sending Kawhi Leonard from the LA Clippers to Toronto has been made official after a monthslong delay due to the NBA's investigation into the Clippers for salary cap circumvention. The teams initially agreed to the deal on June 30, but it was paused while the league investigated allegations the Clippers violated salary cap rules in signing Leonard as a free agent," ESPN's Shams Charania wrote.

However, on Tuesday, Leonard went down with a knee injury that was initially expected to sideline him for only about a week.

"Kawhi Leonard will be sidelined for at least a week because of swelling in his left knee, the Toronto Raptors said Tuesday. Leonard, who has a long history of knee problems, was a late scratch from Toronto's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. The Raptors said tests revealed there is no acute injury in his left knee," NBA.com wrote.

This is a big blow for the Raptors, as Leonard was starting to find his footing and build chemistry with his new team. NBA reporter Chris Haynes reported Thursday that Leonard's injury is worse than originally thought.

"Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard (knee) is expected to be sidelined for at least 3-4 weeks, sources tell me," Haynes posted.

That is another devastating blow for Toronto, as the team may have to go almost a full month without its superstar. The two-time NBA champion will focus on getting healthy before returning to the court.

Leonard returned to Toronto because that is where his family wanted to be. He also wants to win another championship, so when he returns, he will be eager to help make that happen.