Terry Rozier expected at Heat training camp despite uncertain future
Terry Rozier is gearing up for Heat training camp next week, even as questions swirl about his future with the team. The 31-year-old guard remains with Miami despite reports the organization had been exploring either trading him or buying out his contract this offseason.
Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reported Thursday that Rozier plans to be an active participant when camp opens, despite the “uncertainty” surrounding his status with the club.
The uncertainty extends beyond just basketball decisions.
Rozier currently remains under federal investigation related to gambling activities. According to documents obtained by ESPN’s David Purdum, a professional bettor placed 30 wagers in just 46 minutes, all involving Rozier during a 2023 NBA game.
The NBA addressed the situation back in January.
“In March 2023, the NBA was alerted to unusual betting activity related to Terry Rozier’s performance in a game between Charlotte and New Orleans,” NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said in a statement. “The league conducted an investigation and did not find a violation of NBA rules. We are now aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York related to this matter and have been cooperating with that investigation.”
While the NBA’s own investigation cleared Rozier of rule violations, the federal probe continues, casting a shadow over his future in Miami.
Buyout talks stalled
Then there’s the financial side of things.
Earlier this month, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported “there have been discussions about a Rozier buyout, but those talks have not gained traction, without any outside options for the veteran guard at the moment.”
The Heat could still waive Rozier before January 10, when his contract becomes fully guaranteed.
But that move comes with risk. If Rozier gets injured and can’t play for the season before being released, Miami would be on the hook for his entire $26.6 million salary.
Had the Heat waived and stretched his contract, they could have spread the cap hit over three years at $8.9 million annually instead of taking the full $26.6 million hit this season.
Rozier’s performance last season didn’t exactly boost his trade value. In 64 games (including 23 starts), he averaged just 10.6 points while shooting a disappointing 39.1% from the field and an even worse 29.5% from three-point range.
To complicate matters further, Miami now faces another challenge with star guard Tyler Herro undergoing ankle surgery on Friday. He’s expected to miss at least the first month of the 2025-26 season.
