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Thunder got their 2nd. How hilarious would it been if Leonard was a jerk and blocked this though.

Surprised Miami moved early on this. Don't hate the addition, but I assumed they would have aimed higher.

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I think Bentley called this, right?

Kind of makes sense. I don't think Miami had any intention of keeping Leonard around, and I doubt there were that many takers around the league right now either. Using a far distant 2nd to turn him into someone playable seems like a sensible move.

If there's not a third team involved before this becomes *finalized,* it makes no sense.

jbk1234 wrote:If there's not a third team involved before this becomes *finalized,* it makes no sense.

Why's that? OKC saves money on the salary for this season remaining to Leonard versus Ariza ($3.4m difference for the whole season, so roughly half that in true cash savings), and got essentially a free 2nd for holding Ariza on the roster. Makes some sense to me for them. They'll buy out/waive Leonard and have a spot to bring up another remainder of season tryout kind of guy.

What am I supposed to do with my Ariza Thunder jersey?

jbk1234 wrote:If there's not a third team involved before this becomes *finalized,* it makes no sense.

Heat really seemed to want ariza, thunder get another 2nd and shed some money. Meyers either gets dealt again without ever reporting anywhere or the thunder cut a guy who makes less than Trevor makes.

Not amazing, but it works. I feel like he was most likely going to Miami with or without a trade. This just guarantees it and they don’t have to pay Leonard anymore.

bondom34 wrote:What am I supposed to do with my Ariza Thunder jersey?

Still a better investment than my Durant jersey...

bondom34 wrote:What am I supposed to do with my Ariza Thunder jersey?

It's a shame he never played I would have legit liked his fit with that squad.

Texas Chuck wrote:Thunder got their 2nd. How hilarious would it been if Leonard was a jerk and blocked this though.

Surprised Miami moved early on this. Don't hate the addition, but I assumed they would have aimed higher.

might as well burn every bridge on your way out lmao

bondom34 wrote:What am I supposed to do with my Ariza Thunder jersey?

Buy one of him on every team, problem solved

bondom34 wrote:What am I supposed to do with my Ariza Thunder jersey?

Hold onto it. Really could come around again.

No poll?

Ariza isn't the same player we used to know, but he was serviceable for Portland last year. Team definitely missed him during bubble play.

Meyers has been in the public spotlight for obvious reasons recently. But even if he hadn't been, his severe drop-off in quality of play this season means Miami isn't missing much. His contract always seemed like trade filler, similar to Hood's extension in Portland.

OKC buys him out, saving a bit more cash. Miami turns a P.R. headache into a serviceable backup. Seems like a win/win.

bondom34 wrote:What am I supposed to do with my Ariza Thunder jersey?

Same thing as Ariza.

I am sure Miami will get some use out of Ariza. Similar to Crowder last season; but not as impactful. Miami's defensive rating is better this year as they rank 4th. Its their offensive rating that they have really taken a hit at. They rank 25th this season after ranking 7th last year.

I don't think this will be the last trade by Miami before the deadline..

JasonStern wrote:No poll?

Ariza isn't the same player we used to know, but he was serviceable for Portland last year. Team definitely missed him during bubble play.

Meyers has been in the public spotlight for obvious reasons recently. But even if he hadn't been, his severe drop-off in quality of play this season means Miami isn't missing much. His contract always seemed like trade filler, similar to Hood's extension in Portland.

OKC buys him out, saving a bit more cash. Miami turns a P.R. headache into a serviceable backup. Seems like a win/win.

Poll up.

i like it both ways but a little more for Miami, can't have too many 3&D guys come playoff time, especially one like Ariza who's been all over the league for like 57 years now

Something that is not being stated; is this now guarantees the Team Option has been exercised for the 2nd year. Strange cap restrictions with Bird Rights and 1 year deals with TO's.

Boston should have beaten this offer, instead of throw news about names they won't be able to acquire. Good move by Miami, and OKC and Ariza, win/win/win situation.