Since Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was placed on immediate leave amid an illegal gambling probe under investigation by the FBI, there has been essentially nothing to suggest that an end is on the precipice.
Can we dream? Perhaps. Does that make it reality? No.
As they approach the deadline, Rozier’s $26.6 million salary complicates any Heat package for a star. Last month, Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reported that the NBA hasn’t told the Heat whether or not they can use Rozier’s salary in a trade.
On Sunday, less than two months ahead of the deadline, NBA insider Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reassured that was the case:
“Sources reiterated to The Stein Line this week that the NBA has yet to confirm whether Miami would be eligible to trade Rozier’s salary while his legal status remains undetermined,” Fischer’s report read. “There remains a chance that the league office will ultimately void Rozier’s contract depending on the outcome of his judicial process. I’ve also been told that Miami would need to first agree to a trade in principle that includes Rozier’s outgoing salary just to generate an official ruling from the NBA about whether the trade is legal or not.
“There is really no precedent for this situation or guidance within the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement for how to handle it. Any resolution would almost surely require cooperation with the NBA Players’ Association, but the league itself has indicated that it does not want to consider hypotheticals in this case. It is expected to render a ruling if/when a trade involving Rozier actually materializes.
Terry Rozier’s salary may be untradable regardless:
Here’s the semi-uncomfortable truth: Let’s the league allows the Heat to trade Terry Rozier tomorrow, his contract is still untradable until the 31-year-old not only plays games, but plays well enough to build value.
Rozier is coming off the worst season of his career, averaging 10.6 points and 3.7 rebounds on 39.1 percent shooting and 29.5 percent from 3-point range.
He was essentially out of the Heat’s rotation for the last month of 2024-25, and they have little-to-no room in their backcourt rotation to fit Rozier, barring injury.
Sure, it would be beautiful if Miami could theoretically salary dump Terry Rozier without having to attach an asset, let alone include him as a money-matcher for a star talent. While we aren’t privy to conversations behind closed doors, letting Rozier expire may be the best — and most realistic — option for both sides.
***
To check out our other content, click here.
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter/X here!
Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram here!
Check out Hot Hot Hoops on Facebook here!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
- Bam Adebayo crushes critics over 83-point game: ‘You can’t be mad at that’
- Heat extend their win streak to a season-high seven straight in 112-105 victory over Bucks
- NBA GAMETHREAD: Milwaukee Bucks (27-37) @ Miami Heat (37-29)
- GAME PREVIEW: Bam Adebayo, Heat seek seventh-straight win against Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
- Hanifan: Nobody should care how Bam Adebayo scored 83 points
- Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and other NBA stars react to Bam Adebayo’s historic night
- A’ja Wilson drops hilarious reaction to Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game
Pleaded not guilty. I will believe Terry. For now. NBA is also waiting for the court’s verdict. If it comes out bad for Terry, Heat should be compensated big by the league and Charlotte.
terrys arraignment today
When does Rozier’s contract expire? The league is sweeping this situation under the rug in a way that only worsens the unfairness of their treatment of us as time goes on. Surely they could have offered some form of resolution by now. We could use that salary relief to help this team this season, which is now approaching one third completion.
Terrys contract expires at the end of the season.
FBI is taking too long. Investigation should be done at least by years end. And if the guy is guilty, NBA and Charlotte should pay a price in favor, of course, to the Heat. If not life goes on. I’d say play Terry and let him try to turn his career around. But this issue is dragging too much that im starting to think conspiracies so Pat can’t make a move coz look what this franchise can do to a rag tag team…and imagine if a top tier star player comes to south beach?! Its game over for the east at least.
If Riley doesn’t sue the NBA and Charlotte, he is allowing the team and fans to get screwed. Miami is the victim/injured party in this matter