Meyers Leonard, a former NBA center known for his tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat, has had a career marked by both impressive earnings and significant controversy. As of 2025, Leonard’s estimated net worth is $10 million, accumulated through lucrative NBA contracts, endorsements, and investments. However, his financial and professional journey took a dramatic turn following a 2021 incident that led to suspension and a hiatus from the league. Here’s a detailed look at Meyers Leonard’s career, his net worth, and his path to redemption after one of the most controversial moments in his career.
Early Career and NBA Success
Born on February 27, 1992, in Woodbridge, Virginia, Meyers Leonard grew up in Robinson, Illinois, where he developed a passion for basketball. After a standout college career at the University of Illinois, Leonard declared for the 2012 NBA Draft and was selected 11th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. His rookie contract, valued at approximately $10 million over four years, marked the beginning of his financial success.
Leonard’s ability as a versatile big man, capable of stretching the floor with his shooting, earned him a spot in the Blazers’ rotation. By the end of his stint in Portland, Leonard had signed a four-year, $41 million contract extension, further boosting his net worth. In 2019, he was traded to the Miami Heat, where he played a crucial role as a floor-spacing center during the team’s run to the NBA Finals in the 2019–2020 season.
Meyers Leonard’s Net Worth and Earnings
Meyers Leonard’s net worth of $10 million in 2025 is primarily derived from his NBA contracts, which amounted to more than $50 million in career earnings. His most lucrative deal was the $41 million contract with the Trail Blazers, complemented by a two-year, $20 million deal with the Miami Heat.
In addition to his NBA salary, Leonard earned money through endorsements and investments. Brands recognized his appeal as a relatable athlete, and his ventures into streaming on Twitch suggested an effort to diversify his income. However, the incident in 2021 abruptly halted these additional revenue streams.
The Controversy That Changed Everything
In March 2021, Meyers Leonard’s career came to a sudden stop following a livestream incident on the gaming platform Twitch. While playing Call of Duty, Leonard used an antisemitic slur that was heard by thousands of viewers. The word in question, a derogatory term for Jewish people, sparked immediate backlash from fans, the media, and the NBA community.
The Miami Heat, owned by Israeli-American businessman Micky Arison, swiftly condemned Leonard’s actions in a public statement, emphasizing that hate speech would not be tolerated. The NBA also launched an investigation, and Leonard was suspended indefinitely, later being fined $50,000 and required to participate in cultural diversity training.
The fallout was immediate and severe. The Heat traded Leonard to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who promptly waived him, effectively leaving him without a team. Endorsement deals were terminated, and Leonard’s Twitch account was deactivated, cutting off a promising secondary income stream. Analysts estimated that the incident could have cost him several million dollars in potential future earnings.
Apology and Efforts at Redemption
In response to the backlash, Meyers Leonard issued a public apology on Instagram, stating he was unaware of the word’s meaning and expressing deep regret for the hurt caused. “I am deeply sorry for using an antisemitic slur during a livestream yesterday,” Leonard wrote. “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.”
In the months that followed, Leonard took steps to educate himself and repair his image. He met with leaders in the Jewish community, participated in workshops about antisemitism, and publicly committed to fighting hate speech. His efforts were seen by some as a genuine attempt to atone for his actions, while others viewed them with skepticism, questioning the sincerity of his remorse.
A Second Chance in the NBA?
As of 2025, Meyers Leonard is reportedly set to make an NBA comeback after a four-year absence. League insiders suggest that several teams have shown interest in signing him to a short-term deal, contingent on a thorough vetting process. Leonard’s skill set as a 7-foot center who can shoot from beyond the arc remains valuable, particularly in a league that increasingly emphasizes spacing and shooting.
Whether Leonard can successfully reintegrate into the NBA remains to be seen. The controversy left a lasting mark on his reputation, but his genuine efforts to make amends have garnered support from some corners of the league. A successful return could not only rehabilitate his image but also provide a much-needed boost to his net worth, potentially adding millions through contracts and sponsorships.
Personal Life and Investments
Off the court, Meyers Leonard has been known for his charitable efforts and investments. He is married to Elle Bielfeldt, an entrepreneur and founder of Level Foods, a nutrition bar company that Leonard has also invested in. The couple’s business ventures suggest a long-term financial strategy beyond basketball, providing a safety net in case Leonard’s NBA career does not resume as planned.
Leonard also owns properties in Illinois and Florida, further diversifying his financial portfolio. His focus on real estate and business investments indicates a commitment to maintaining his net worth despite the uncertainty surrounding his professional basketball career.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
The incident that derailed Meyers Leonard’s NBA career serves as a stark reminder of the power of words and the consequences of ignorance, especially in the age of social media. Leonard’s journey from NBA starter to free agent in exile has been a humbling one, marked by efforts to learn, apologize, and grow.
If he successfully returns to the NBA, Leonard’s story could serve as a case study in redemption and the importance of accountability. On the other hand, failure to secure a new contract could leave him reliant on his investments and past earnings to sustain his $10 million net worth.
