Miami Heat to release Terry Rozier to create NBA playoff roster spot
The Miami Heat are set to waive Terry Rozier before the conclusion of the regular season to open a roster spot for their upcoming NBA playoff campaign.
The 30-year-old guard has been absent from the franchise since his arrest in October as part of a federal investigation into illegal gambling.
He has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges involving wire fraud and money laundering.
Draft compensation agreed
The controversial trade that initially brought the playmaker to Florida from the Charlotte Hornets in January 2024 has been under intense scrutiny.
Questions were raised regarding whether the Miami hierarchy should have been informed of ongoing federal and league investigations before finalising the exchange.
To resolve the dispute, the Hornets have agreed to send a second-round pick in this summer’s NBA draft to the Eastern Conference side.
Miami still owes a protected 2027 first-round selection to Charlotte as part of the original transaction.
Unprecedented situation
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the complexity of the legal proceedings during a news conference at the NBA Cup in Las Vegas last December.
“It is an unprecedented situation.”
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
The former Charlotte star’s $26.6m (£21m) salary expires this summer, with the funds currently held in escrow pending the resolution of his legal case.
Because his contract is expiring, the impending release must be officially completed by 9 April.
Clearing waivers before the regular season ends on 12 April will allow the Heat to finalise their postseason squad.