Toronto Raptors' Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
By The Canadian Press

Excitement high as Kawhi Leonard set for Toronto Raptors regular-season debut

Oct 21, 2026 | 3:11 PM

TORONTO — The long wait is finally over: Kawhi Leonard is playing for the Toronto Raptors again.

Leonard is in the starting lineup tonight as Toronto hosts the Chicago Bulls in its home opener.

He was instrumental in the Raptors’ 2019 NBA championship but signed with his hometown Los Angeles Clippers that following off-season.

L.A. traded him back to Toronto this past summer, although the deal was delayed as the NBA investigated Leonard and the Clippers for salary cap circumvention.

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic says that it’s very exciting to “bring a Hall of Famer back home.”

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Rajakovic implied that the oft injured Leonard would be on a minutes restriction against the Bulls.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2026.

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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