Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat
With training camp just weeks away, Terry Rozier’s future with the Miami Heat is far from settled. While the organization has made it clear that forward Andrew Wiggins is not available for trade, internal discussions have continued regarding the veteran guard.
ClutchPoint’s Brett Siegel reported that the Heat have held internal discussions about Rozier’s future.
“Before training camp begins at the end of the month, the Heat are seriously considering cutting ties with Rozier,” Siegel reported. “However, with no trade market existing and the veteran guard informing the team he has no interest in a buyout, Miami’s only path to moving off Rozier would be waiving him and taking on his $26.6 million contract as dead money.”
Heat is on an expiring $26.6 million salary on the final season of a four-year, $96.3 million deal he signed with the Charlotte Hornets in 2022.
Siegel added that if Rozier were waived, it would create immediate opportunities for younger players like Davion Mitchell, Dru Smith, and 2025 first-round pick Kasparus Jakucionis, giving them more playing time in the second unit. Nonetheless, if Rozier remains on the opening-night roster, he is unlikely to play a central role in coach Erik Spoelstra’s rotations.
From Splashy Trade to Unwanted Baggage
Photo by Harry How/Getty ImagesTerry Rozier’s NBA career is in limbo.
Rozier’s journey with the Heat began with a high-profile trade two seasons ago, when Miami sent Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick to Charlotte. At the time, Rozier had just completed a career-best stint with the Hornets, averaging 23.2 points and 6.6 assists over the first 30 games of the 2023-24 season.
However, his numbers have steadily declined in Miami. Rozier has struggled to find a consistent role under Spoelstra, often sidelined in favor of other backcourt options. Once considered a key acquisition for a team aiming to contend, Rozier now faces the reality of being on the periphery of the rotation.
Adding to Rozier’s challenges is an ongoing federal investigation surrounding suspicious betting activity related to his performance. According to an ESPN report, a bettor in Biloxi, Mississippi, placed $13,759 on the unders for Rozier’s statistics in a Hornets-Pelicans game, correctly predicting the outcome after Rozier left the game early with a foot injury. Similar activity was detected at multiple sportsbooks across several states, raising further questions.
“These off-court issues, combined with his on-court struggles, make Rozier’s trade or buyout complicated,” Siegel said. “There’s little appetite in the league to take on a contract with these factors in play.”
Opportunities Amid Challenges
Rozier could still play a limited role this season, particularly with All-Star guard Tyler Herro sidelined for approximately eight weeks following foot surgery. Spoelstra may rely on Rozier for spot-up minutes in the second unit, but the team will have to balance his usage with the development of younger guards and its draft pick Jakucionis.
Miami opens the season with a challenging schedule, including six of its first eight games on the road and 11 of its first 15 matchups against playoff teams. Rozier’s contribution, if any, could be critical in navigating this stretch, but it remains unclear how much playing time he will receive.
As the Heat prepare for training camp, Rozier’s status looms as a question mark. Waiving him could provide roster flexibility, but the financial implications make the decision complex. For now, Rozier’s future in Miami remains uncertain, and the organization must weigh his role, contract, and off-court concerns before finalizing the roster.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
