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Terry Rozier, Miami Heat

Terry Rozier‘s tenure with the Miami Heat is all but over. He was acquired to help plug a long-standing gap at the point guard position. Unfortunately for the Heat, he’s struggled to slot into their system and is now expected to be traded ahead of the February 2026 trade deadline.

According to NBA Insider Jake Fischer, if the Heat are unable to find a willing trade partner, they may consider buying Rozier out of his current deal.

“Earlier this month, Miami traded Haywood Highsmith to Brooklyn in a move that both got the Heat under the luxury tax and set them up to re-sign Dru Smith on a three-year deal,” Fischer reported. “That might not be the last of the financial maneuvering on South Beach. Sources say Miami still hopes to part with veteran guard Terry Rozier even though there is said to be scant trade interest in the 31-year-old.”

“Rozier is scheduled to make $26.6 million this season, and the Heat are said to have some interest in buying him out,” Fischer continued. “To be clear, though, no buyout appears imminent.”

Rozier played 64 games for Erik Spoelstra’s roster last season. He averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists, shooting 39.1% from the field. Miami will need far better efficiency and impact from its starting guard.

Heat Could Turn to Russell Westbrook

Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report believes the Heat could potentially “rescue” Russell Westbrook from free agency. Westbrook enjoyed a strong season for the Denver Nuggets during the 2024-25 campaign. He would quickly help plug the gap left by Rozier’s likely exclusion from the rotation.

“The Miami Heat’s point guard rotation is largely populated by combo or shooting guards,” Bailey wrote. “Right now, it looks like Tyler Herro could be the starter at the 1. …Having a real, veteran point guard on the roster could stabilize a second unit that figures to include lots of younger talents like Jaime Jaquez Jr., Nikola Jović and Davion Mitchell.”

Westbrook played in 75 games last season, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. He would likely agree to a minimum deal after struggling to land on a new team.

Riley Is Open to Adding an Aging Player

Westbrook’s advancing age is unlikely to be a concern for Pat Riley. Riley recently refused to rule out the idea of adding a veteran talent to the Heat’s roster.

“I think an aging great player, who may not be able to carry a team together, can rise to the occasion in the playoffs,” Riley said. “…I still think that an aging player can play. Look at LeBron [James]. I mean, look at these players. It’s incredible. Players like LeBron and others who have played into their mid to late 30s and produced at a high level can help teams win championships. You have to pick out the right one, but I’m not against that, no.”

While Westbrook would undoubtedly be a short-term addition to Miami’s roster, he could establish himself a key member of the rotation. His ability to pressure the rim and create scoring opportunities is still at an elite level. Both Tyler Herro and Norman Powell would thrive off the attention Westbrook can demand.

However, if the Heat are interested in adding Westbrook, they would be wise to do it soon. At least then he can be with the team throughout training camp and preseason. That way, he can hit the ground running for his new team.

Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns for Heavy. He has also written for CelticsBlog, USA Today, Yardbarker and FanSided. Adam has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor