Meyers Leonard didn't have a hard time adjusting to his new life in Miami, with Miami Heat president Pat Riley making sure he feels welcomed.
Leonard was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Heat in a four-team trade in July. He shared that after the deal was sealed, Riley immediately sent him a message. The legendary figure then continued to build rapport with the veteran big man when he arrived in South Beach.
“Mr. Riley sent me a very nice text whenever the night of the trade was,” Leonard said, per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “And coming from a guy that's a basketball legend, it was cool to feel welcomed by him. Then once I did meet him in person here in the arena, honestly it was just more hello and get to know you, a big smile on his face. When you understand the level of respect he has in the basketball world, me as a youngster growing up and watching him on TV, everything is just, to have that type of basketball history I suppose, within this organization, is pretty incredible.”
Leonard will join the Heat squad headed by two-time NBA champion coach Erik Spoelstra.
Jimmy Butler will be the team's new star after the retirement of Dwyane Wade. Despite the number of changes over the years, the Heat have managed to stay relevant. In the upcoming 2019-20 season, however, they will look to return to postseason contention after missing it last year.
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