It’s no secret that the Miami Heat have been trying to dump Terry Rozier for anything of value this offseason. The unfortunate reality is that they can’t because of a months-long federal betting investigation that’s tanked his value.
They aren’t going to waive-and-stretch the 31-year-old guard, but could they negotiate a buyout? According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, to nobody’s surprise, there’s obvious interest.
“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,” Fischer reported Thursday. “Rozier is scheduled to make $26.6 million this season and the Heat are said to have some interest in buying him out. To be clear, though, no buyout appears imminent.”
Last season, Rozier averaged just 10.6 points and 2.6 assists on 39.1 percent shooting and 29.5 percent from deep. It was a disastrous season, eventually losing his spot in the rotation after countless opportunities.
Friday is the deadline to waive-and-stretch any player; waiving-and-stretching Rozier would put him on the books for $8.3 million each of the next three seasons.
To be bought out, Rozier and the organization would have to negotiate how much money he’s forfeiting. The percentage is usually pretty small — but it would be a way to create some more flexibility without pushing money down the line.
The Heat would have 13 players on their roster if they buy out Rozier. They can only dip below the 14-player minimum for two weeks at a time (and 28 days for the entire year). They have two players on two-way contracts and can sign another at any point during the season.
Roughly one month away from the start of training camp, Miami has a ton of guards with very little frontcourt depth. Of course, a buyout is a two-way street; I’ve been a proponent of letting his contract expire, but if they can agree to a buyout, great!
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There has been a lot of salary dump related activity this offseason. Been trying to see it thru other prisms, but a buy out here would be more understandable if we use that saved money to strengthen the team. Otherwise, hard to see the upside here.
No way should they waive and stretch. I am even against a buyout unless he was willing to take half the remaining salary. We know that’s not gonna happen because nobody is going to pay him more than the minimum.
I feel we should give him a chance. If he’s indicted, you may be able to cancel the contract. If not convicted, he may have a bounce back season and be tradable at the deadline. Or just let it expire.
I agree with you that a buyout is a bad idea, especially if he is ultimately indicted/convicted and his contract is voided.
If Miami gives him a chance to prove he has his “Mojo” back, he may be of value in the rotation while also raising his trade value. If not, at worst, Miami can wait until the trade deadline to buy him out (via 3 year stretch payout) and release him.
Rozier’s full 2025-2026 salary: $26,643,031
Stretch and release over 3 years: $8,881.010
Rozier’s remaining salary at all-star break: $8,445,840
Stretch and release over 3 years: $2,815,280
You make the call.
Let him just expire unless you’re not going to get that big without getting rid of him. Wasteful season without a 3rd proper