8-year veteran Jon Leuer announces retirement

Veteran free-agent big man Jon Leuer announced his retirement on Sunday.

"I love the game of basketball. I still want to play, but I know deep down it’s not the right decision for my health anymore," the 31-year-old posted on Instagram. "The past (three) years I’ve dealt with a number of injuries, including (two) that kept me out this whole season.

"It’s taken me a while to come to grips with this, but I’m truly at peace with my decision to officially retire," Leuer said.

Leuer averaged 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in just under 16 minutes per game from 2011 to 2019. He logged multi-season stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons, and Leuer also suited up for the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks, the latter of which selected him 40th overall out of Wisconsin in the 2011 draft.

He benefitted from a dramatic salary-cap spike during the 2016 offseason, resulting in several less-heralded role players receiving major contracts in free agency. After averaging 8.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest with 38.2% shooting on threes for the Suns in 2015-16, the Pistons signed Leuer to a four-year, $41-million deal.

Even though his playing days are over, Leuer's impact on the league will still be felt for years to come. The Bucks owe him $3.2 million per season through 2022 after reacquiring the 6-foot-10 forward last summer and subsequently waiving Leuer during the final year of his deal using the stretch provision.