During the 2022-23 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks found themselves in need of center depth following their falling out with former three-time All-NBA Defense star Serge Ibaka, who was unhappy with his playing time, or lack thereof. In order to replace him on their roster following the blockbuster four-team trade that brought Jae Crowder to Milwaukee, the Bucks signed center Meyers Leonard in a move that was highly questioned by many fans.
At the time of the signing, Leonard had not played in an NBA game since 2020. After he joined Milwaukee, Leonard appeared in nine games, averaging 4.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in 12.7 minutes per game.
Milwaukee Bucks Fans Were Not Happy When They Signed Meyers Leonard
Leonard was playing for the Miami Heat during the 2020-21 NBA season when he suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery. He played in just three games that year, averaging 3.3 points and 2.3 rebounds.
But the injury was not the only thing that kept him from seeing the court. During his rehab, Leonard would stream himself playing video games on Twitch, a popular streaming app. Not only can game players visually stream what they are playing, but they can also use headsets and microphones to verbally interact with viewers.
During one such stream, Leonard used an anti-Semitic slur. The video of him doing so went viral online and led to the Heat suspending him indefinitely.
A little over a week later, Miami traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who announced they had no intention of allowing Leonard to join their team. He was included in the trade for salary filler. The Thunder released him eight days later.
Leonard did not play at all during the 2021-22 season after it was found he had nerve damage in his right leg. Of course, there was not a single NBA team that had signed him anyway.
It was not until Milwaukee signed him in February of 2023 that he made his return to the court. However, his comeback was short-lived. The Bucks did not re-sign him following the season, nor did any other team.
Former Milwaukee Bucks Center Meyers Leonard Has Announced His Retirement
Leonard did not play in the NBA, or any other professional league, at all in 2023-24 because no team wanted him. He went unsigned again ahead of the 2024-25 season, but may have been hoping that the NBA trade deadline and two-way players losing their roster spots would boost his chances of landing a job.
They did not.
Due to no reported interest from any NBA teams, Leonard has announced his retirement:
Meyers Leonard — a 2012 NBA lottery pick who played 10 seasons with Portland (7), Miami (2) and Milwaukee (1) — announced he’s officially retiring from the game of basketball. https://t.co/ca6mnzJUU4 pic.twitter.com/35w44qXJhs
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 3, 2025
Leonard spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Portland Trailblazers before his two years with the Heat. For his career, he has averages of 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
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