Heat anticipated to release Terry Rozier prior to postseason
The Miami Heat are anticipated to release guard Terry Rozier prior to the conclusion of the regular season in order to open a roster position for the upcoming playoff campaign, sources have informed ESPN.
Rozier has been absent from the team since his arrest on October 23, which is part of a federal inquiry into unlawful gambling activities. The transaction that brought him to Miami in January 2024 from the Charlotte Hornets is being examined regarding whether the Heat should have been informed of NBA and federal investigations into a purported gambling conspiracy before finalizing the deal.
The Hornets consented to send a second-round selection in this June’s NBA draft to Miami to settle the matter. Miami is obligated to give its 2027 first-round pick (lottery protected, which turns into an unprotected 2028 first if it does not convey) to Charlotte as part of the agreement.
Commissioner Adam Silver described it as an “unprecedented situation” during a press conference at the NBA Cup in Las Vegas in December.
Rozier has entered a not guilty plea to charges of conspiracy related to wire fraud and money laundering. His $26.6 million contract is set to expire this summer, although the funds have been placed in escrow while Rozier’s legal situation is resolved.
Given that Rozier’s contract is nearing its end, he must be waived by 5 p.m. on April 9 to clear waivers before the regular season concludes on April 12.
Rozier’s anticipated release was initially reported by the Miami Herald.
