Will The Miami Heat Cut Meyers Leonard Over Slur? Cost Of Releasing NBA Player

The Miami Heat announced Tuesday that Meyers Leonard would be away from the team indefinitely after he used an anti-Semtic slur. As the NBA investigates the center’s behavior, Miami will have to quickly decide if Leonard will ever rejoin the roster.

The Heat condemned what Meyers said during a video game livestream, though the organization hasn’t yet cut ties with the 29-year-old.

“The Miami Heat vehemently condemns the use of any form of hate speech,” the team said in a statement. “The words used by Meyers Leonard were wrong and we will not tolerate hateful language from anyone associated with our franchise. To hear it f. om a Miami Heat player is especially disappointing and hurtful to all those who work here, as well as the larger South Florida, Miami Heat and NBA communities.”

Releasing Leonard would not be difficult from a contractual standpoint. The veteran is in the final guaranteed year of his contract, but he has a $10.152 million team option for next season. Miami could pick up the option or try to bring Leonard back on a cheaper salary.

Leonard is still owed $4.18 million of his $9.4 million salary for this season, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Miami would have to pay the player his entire remaining salary if he is cut. The Heat could apply for a $4.8 million disabled player exception if the team waives Leonard.

No matter what the Heat do, Leonard isn’t likely to play another game during the 2020-2021 NBA season. He underwent season-ending surgery in early February, and may have buried his career via video game.

“I am deeply sorry for using an anti-Semitic slur during a livestream yesterday,” Leonard said in an apology he shared on social media. “While I didn't know what the word meant at the time, my ignorance about its history and how offensive it is to the Jewish community is absolutely not an excuse and I was just wrong. I am now more aware of its meaning and I am committed to properly seeking out people who can help educate me about this type of hate and how we can fight it.”

Leonard has only played in three games this season. The center made 49 regular-season starts for Miami last year, but he appeared in just three playoff games.

Leonard has made nearly $60 million in nine NBA seasons.