Heat trade Meyers Leonard, land veteran Trevor Ariza

MIAMI – Meyers Leonard’s time with the Miami Heat is over.

The team has reached an agreement to trade the center to Oklahoma City in exchange for veteran forward Trevor Ariza.

The Thunder also get a 2027 second-round draft pick from the Heat in the deal.

Leonard was fined and suspended by the NBA last week after video emerged of him using an anti-Semitic slur on a livestream while playing a video game.

The trade adds a boost of talent and experience to Miami’s rotation.

The 6-foot-8 Ariza, 35, is known as a “3 and D” specialist, a player who can defend opponents’ wing players well and also knock down open 3-pointers.

He hasn’t played since being traded to Oklahoma City before the season, waiting out a deal to a contender while reportedly living and working out in Miami.

Ariza has played over 1,000 NBA games in his career, averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 steals.

Leonard was already going to miss the rest of the season after shoulder surgery. He will likely be released by the Thunder.


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