Lakers: LA Free Agent Target Signs With Eastern Conference Contender
Free agent big man Meyers Leonard signed a 10-day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported.
Leonard, who hasn't played in the league since March of 2021, uttered an antisemitic slur during a Twitch livestream, and has been out of the league ever since. He was suspended and fined by the Miami Heat, and then traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he was immediately waived.
Leonard has spent the last nearly two years working closely with Jewish leaders, learning about antisemitism and truly understanding what the word meant and why it was wrong to say. He said when he initially said the word, he didn't understand what it meant and why it was so bad. However, he's done a lot of growth over the last few years, and felt ready to get back into the league and make an impact.
NBA spokesman Mike Bass recently spoke about Leonard's work over the last few years.
"Since his use of a derogatory and unacceptable term in 2021, Meyers Leonard has been held accountable and has dedicated considerable time and effort to understand the impact of his comment," Bass said. "He has met with numerous leaders in the Jewish community and participated in community programs to educate himself and use his platform to share his learnings with others."
Leonard last played an NBA game in January of 2021, but will get another chance with Milwaukee when the league starts back up after the All-Star break this week.
Leonard has been nearing a return over the last few months, however. Earlier in the season, the Lakers worked out Leonard among other players when they were looking for a new big man. They also worked out DeMarcus Cousins, but ended up signing neither of them.
But now, Leonard is back in the NBA, and will hope to stick around with Milwaukee for the remainder of the season.
