MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 04: Terry Rozier #2 of the Miami Heat reacts against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at Kaseya Center on November 04, 2024 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
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Terry Rozier #2 of the Miami Heat
In recent days, it had become widely speculated that Miami Heat point guard Terry Rozier–who is in limbo amid charges by the government that he violated federal law by participating in a money laundering and wire fraud scheme connected with an illegal gambling ring–would make a major decision on his immediate future with the team.
On Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET, the Heat made that decision. They left his contract fully guaranteed on the books at $26.6 million, rather than waiving him and reducing that total to $24.9 million. While the $1.7 million the Heat could have saved by cutting loose Rozier here on January 7 seems insignificant in relation to the total value of the his deal (he is in the final year of a four-year, $96 million contract), it would have freed up space on the books for Miami to add a free agent, perhaps after the trade deadline passes.
Miami Heat Preparing for Blockbuster Trade?
Instead, the Heat are keeping Rozier, and that is significant. Though Rozier is fighting the charges against him, the Heat do not expect he will play again in 2025-26, which means the only point of keeping him on hand is to potentially use his contract in a trade. Given the size of his expiring deal, that opens some eyes–trading off of a $26.6 million player means the Heat would have to take back a significant player in return.
Rozier’s contract–provided the Heat are allowed, by NBA rules, to trade it–could be a critical piece in a Heat blockbuster. If Miami is serious about a pursuit of Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, building a package that includes Rozier’s expiring deal is all but a necessity.
As Miami Heat beat writer Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald wrote on Twitter/X: “With one spot already open on its roster, the Heat decided opening a second roster spot and an additional $1.7 million in space under the tax line wasn’t worth giving up the ability to have Terry Rozier’s expiring salary to use in a potential trade.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami heat
GettyGiannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Tyler Herro Plus Terry Rozier Could Equal Major Trade
Of equal importance in the Miami Heat’s potential blockbuster trade plans is Tyler Herro, who has this year and next year remaining on his deal, at $64 million total. Herro has been among the most frustrating of the Heat’s players, given that he had surgery in September, missed the start of the season, and played six games before going back on the injured list with a bruise toe.
Herro returned on Tuesday, with 17 points and nine rebounds off the bench, in 29 minutes.
Herro is a flawed player even when healthy, but his injury woes have sunk his value. There is some hope, though, that Miami can build him back up by the time the trade deadline rolls around on February 5, possibly allowing the heat to package him with Rozier and draft capital for a major return–Antetokounmpo, for example.
After his return, Herro was asked about coming off the bench. “It’s cool. Not really an adjustment — playing basketball,” he said.