The Miami Heat have made some interesting roster moves this offseason. With the acquisition of Norman Powell, the Heat improved the strength of their starting rotation, while also bolstering their offensive firepower.
However, the Heat followed this trade up by trading Haywood Highsmith to the Brooklyn Nets for a 2026 second-round draft pick, which has raised some concerns about the team’s direction.
The Heat, as constructed, are a very capable team. But it is evident that they lack depth in the frontcourt, specifically at the center position. To address this, the Heat appear to be open to making some more trades, specifically centered around veteran guard Terry Rozier.
To facilitate this, the Heat are reportedly willing to offload Rozier at a significantly discounted value as well, per Sports Illustrated’s Ethan J. Skolnick, who wrote:
“So, according to sources for the Five on the Floor podcast (part of the Five Reasons Sports Network, the Heat have been actively shopping the expiring final year of Rozier’s contract (worth $24-26 million depending on incentives) for just about anything, but specifically frontcourt help.”
Last season, the Heat guard recorded an average of 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, while shooting 39.1% from the field and 29.5% from three-point range.
With a $26.6 million expiring contract and at 31 years old, Rozier still has some potential to be a solid scoring punch off the bench, even providing serviceable minutes in a starting role.
With this in mind, we explore three potential trade destinations for the Heat in a proposal featuring the guard.
Chicago Bulls
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Nikola Vucevic
Chicago Bulls Receive: Terry Rozier, 2027 second-round pick
Among the many potential trade destinations the Heat could look to trade with, the Chicago Bulls may prove to be the most preferable one. The Bulls may only do this trade as it would allow them to clear cap space for next season, given Rozier’s expiring contract.
With an opportunity to acquire two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic, Miami would be in favor of doing this trade.
Vucevic is one of the most versatile big men in the game. At 6’10”, he combines strength and skill to contribute as a reliable offensive player in various situations. He demonstrated his ability to contribute by recording an average of 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 53.0% from the field and 40.2% from three-point range.
Vucevic could fit in quite seamlessly into Miami’s rotation. Although it may force Kel’el Ware into a bench role, it would give the Heat significant depth in their big man rotation, making them a significantly more balanced squad overall.
The Bulls have been looking to trade Vucevic in the offseason. Should they fail to do so, they are rumored to buy him out midway through the season. Regardless, the Heat may benefit from trying to acquire him, even if they have to give up a draft pick in return.
Orlando Magic
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Jonathan Isaac, Goga Bitadze
Orlando Magic Receive: Terry Rozier, 2027 second-round pick
This trade could be mutually intriguing for both teams involved. For the Orlando Magic, acquiring Rozier may be viewed beneficially, not only because of his expiring contract, but also because of what he could provide as a scoring threat off the bench.
While the Magic have Tyus Jones in the capacity of a backup point guard, Rozier could effectively slot in next to him in the second unit to act as backup for Desmond Bane. Given his ability to score, Rozier could add value to Orlando’s offense. Additionally, a second-round pick would only sweeten the deal.
Similarly, this trade has a major impact on Miami’s big man rotation. With the additions of Jonathan Isaac and Goga Bitadze, the Heat would have two solid centers in their frontcourt rotation.
Isaac and Bitadze are inherently different centers, something that would give Miami a lot more variety in its lineup.
Isaac has shown impressive defensive upside, which could prove to be valuable while anchoring the paint defense once Adebayo is off the floor. The Magic center put up solid averages of 5.4 points and 4.4 rebounds with 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks per game last season.
Meanwhile, Bitadze received more playing time than Isaac last season. In 20.4 minutes per game, he recorded an average of 7.2 points and 6.6 rebounds, while shooting 61.1% from the field. As a more traditional big man, he could enhance the Heat’s inside presence off the bench.
This trade could help the Heat address their frontcourt depth issues right away. However, prying both Isaac and Bitadze away from Orlando may prove to be quite the challenge.
Utah Jazz
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Taylor Hendricks
Utah Jazz Receive: Terry Rozier
This deal could be considered mutually beneficial given Utah’s ongoing efforts to clear cap space for next season. By acquiring Rozier’s expiring contract, the Jazz would effectively free up $26.6 million in additional cap space, allowing them to pursue stars in free agency.
Meanwhile, this deal has merit for the Heat as well. Acquiring Jusuf Nurkic and Taylor Hendricks could be viewed favorably for multiple reasons.
Nurkic is an experienced big man. Having proven himself as a solid post presence and rebounder, he could be a capable replacement for Adebayo off the bench.
Last season, Nurkic recorded an average of 8.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 47.7% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range. While his role on offense would be diminished with the Heat, he would be a necessary upgrade in the frontcourt.
Additionally, Nurkic is also on an expiring contract worth $19.3 million. Even in the worst case scenario, the Heat would benefit from clearing cap space next summer.
Hendricks is more of a case of potential, unlike Nurkic. Last season, the 21-year-old forward broke his fibula and had to undergo surgery after only three games played in the season. Acquiring him could prove to be a gamble, but he could show a lot of upside.
He averaged 4.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game last season. While these numbers don’t necessarily reflect his complete potential, the Heat could look to nurture him as a key rotation piece for the future.
This deal may only be completed once Nurkic’s trade restriction is lifted at the end of August. Additionally, the Jazz may show some interest in retaining Hendricks, making it more challenging to acquire him.
The Heat Could Trade For DeMar DeRozan
Among the several rumors floating about Miami Heat trade packages involving Terry Rozier, the most significant ones have seen them linked with Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan.
There was some speculation of a “handshake agreement” between the Kings and DeRozan involving a potential move in the offseason. One of the trade destinations that were presented included the Heat.
This move would also signal that the Heat would be committing to playing small ball next season.
By adding DeRozan to the starting lineup and relegating Ware to the bench, the Heat would sacrifice length for scoring potential. This would prove to be an interesting decision if it does come to pass. Unfortunately, there has been no update on this front.
