Meyers Leonard’s Net Worth and NBA Career Earnings: Explore All Facts Here!

Meyers Leonard announced his retirement from the NBA in March 2025 at the age of 33. Known for his height and shooting ability, Leonard played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, and Milwaukee Bucks during his career. He was the 11th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, and over his 11-year career, he earned an estimated $60 million in total salary.

In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at Meyers Leonard’s career, his earnings, and what the future might hold for him.

Early Life: From Illinois to the NBA

Meyers Leonard was born on February 27, 1992, in Robinson, Illinois. He faced hardships early in life when his father passed away in a biking accident. Raised by his mother, who struggled with health issues, Leonard turned to basketball as an escape. His height and skills quickly made him a standout at Robinson High School.

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After high school, Leonard attended the University of Illinois. His impressive performance in college basketball caught the attention of NBA scouts. In 2012, he declared for the NBA Draft after his sophomore year and was selected 11th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers.

NBA Career: From Portland to Milwaukee

Leonard’s NBA career began in Portland, where he signed a two-year rookie contract worth $4.35 million. He played seven seasons with the Trail Blazers, earning over $39 million. While his stats were modest—averaging 5.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game—his three-point shooting ability made him a valuable player.

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In 2019, Leonard was traded to the Miami Heat as part of a four-team deal. This move turned out to be a significant chapter in his career. During the 2020 NBA season, Leonard helped Miami reach the NBA Finals, where they eventually lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. His earnings with the Heat totaled over $16 million.

After a brief and complicated period that included a trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder—who quickly waived him—Leonard signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022. Unfortunately, injuries limited his playing time. He averaged 4.8 points in nine games during his final season.

By the time he retired, Leonard’s total career earnings were about $60.15 million.

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Net Worth in 2025: Around $20 Million

As of 2025, Meyers Leonard’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. This wealth comes mainly from his NBA salaries, which totaled over $60 million throughout his career. Taxes, agent fees, lifestyle expenses, and investments explain why his net worth is lower than his career earnings.

Leonard also had endorsement deals during his career, although they were not as significant as those of higher-profile players. His careful financial planning, however, has allowed him to retire comfortably.

The Controversies: A Rocky Road

Meyers Leonard’s career wasn’t without controversy. In 2021, he was suspended and fined by the NBA for using an anti-Semitic slur during a live-streamed video game session. The incident led to backlash from fans and sponsors, and it significantly affected his public image.

Leonard publicly apologized and attended sensitivity training. While the incident did put a dent in his career, he made efforts to educate himself and repair his image. He worked with Jewish organizations to learn more about the impact of his words, showing a willingness to grow and move forward.

Personal Life: Love, Loss, and Family

Meyers Leonard’s personal life has been a mix of highs and lows. His father’s early death had a profound impact on him, and he has often spoken about using basketball as a way to cope with the loss.

Leonard met his wife, Elle Bielfeldt, during his college days at the University of Illinois. They married in 2015 and share a strong bond. Leonard has mentioned in interviews how important his wife’s support has been throughout his career.

In his retirement statement, Leonard talked about being a father and spending more time with his family as one of the biggest blessings of leaving the NBA. His heartfelt message showed a side of him that fans hadn’t seen much of before—a man ready to embrace life beyond basketball.

Career Earnings: Breaking Down the $60 Million

Meyers Leonard’s NBA contracts totaled approximately $60.15 million. Here’s a breakdown:

Key Contracts:

• Rookie Contract with Portland: Two years, $4.35 million.
• Second Contract with Portland: Four years, $41 million.
• Contracts with Miami Heat: Over $16 million.
• One-year Deal with Milwaukee Bucks: Around $2 million.

These earnings, combined with endorsement deals and smart investments, helped Leonard build a solid financial foundation. Even with controversies and injuries, his financial situation remains strong.

The Future: What’s Next for Meyers Leonard?

In his retirement announcement, Leonard hinted at new passions, including singing and songwriting. This came as a surprise to many fans, who knew him only as a basketball player. His interest in music could lead to new opportunities outside of sports.

Leonard has also expressed a desire to stay connected to basketball, possibly as a coach or in a front-office role. His understanding of the game and leadership qualities could make him a valuable asset to any team.

In addition, Leonard has been involved in various charity efforts, particularly those supporting military veterans. His brother, Bailey, is a U.S. Marine, which has inspired Meyers to give back to the military community.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

Meyers Leonard’s retirement marks the end of an 11-year NBA career filled with ups and downs. From his early days in Illinois to reaching the NBA Finals with Miami, his journey has been anything but dull. With a net worth of around $20 million and new passions to explore, Leonard’s future looks promising.

As he steps away from the game, fans will remember him for his shooting ability, his heart, and his determination to learn from mistakes. Meyers Leonard may have left the court, but his story is far from over.