Thunder Trade Trevor Ariza to Heat for Meyers Leonard, 2027 2nd-Rounder

The Thunder just can't quit future draft picks.

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On Wednesday, Oklahoma City traded Trevor Ariza to the Miami Heat for Meyers Leonard and a 2027 second-round pick, per ESPN.

ESPN Sources: Oklahoma City is finalizing a trade to send Trevor Ariza to the Miami Heat for Meyers Leonard and a 2027 second-round pick. Leonard must still waive his no-trade clause because of the one-year Bird restriction on his deal, which he’s expected to do for Miami.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 17, 2021

Ariza has yet to play this season, but the 35-year-old can provide plus defense and floor spacing for the Heat.

The Thunder have now acquired another second-round pick after dealing Hamidou Diallo to the Pistons.

As OKC prioritizes their long-term future centered around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co., the Thunder have to be very pleased with the haul they received from a player who hasn't stepped on the court this season.

Meyers Leonard, who is in hot water after saying a despicable anti-Semitic slur on a livestream recently, will not be joining the Thunder, according to ESPN.

Meyers Leonard won’t be joining the Thunder. His contract was just the vehicle to making the deal work, and for OKC to extract a little value out of Ariza. Also, OKC may be able use Leonard’s contract again in a future deal before the deadline.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) March 17, 2021