The Miami Heat have made some solid signings to improve their roster depth this offseason. While this has made them a more competitive team, there are always gaps that need to be addressed.
To facilitate this growth, the Heat have reportedly been in talks with several teams to trade Terry Rozier.
Last season, the 31-year-old recorded an average of 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. While he is a capable scorer, his productivity fell below expectations.
This may be due to a drop-off in minutes, along with being relegated to the bench for the most part. But considering his scandal, there could be more associated with this sudden dip in output.
Rozier is on an expiring contract worth $26.6 million heading into the season. This would allow Miami to acquire a capable veteran or two cost-efficient role players.
Given that Miami is over the salary cap, they may be willing to accept a less favorable return in a trade to shed salary.
Pulling off a trade might be challenging at the moment. Still, several potential landing spots have emerged. Here are the four best fits for the Heat.
Washington Wizards
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Corey Kispert, Bub Carrington, 2026 second-round (PHX)
Washington Wizards Receive: Terry Rozier
This deal could be quite beneficial for the Miami Heat. Acquiring Corey Kispert, Bub Carrington, and a second-rounder next year could very well align with Miami’s goals.
Kispert is a solid, sharpshooting forward. Last season with the Wizards, the 26-year-old recorded an average of 11.6 points and 3.0 rebounds on shooting splits of 45.1% from the field and 35.6% from three-point range.
Although he doesn’t contribute much defensively, Kispert could be a viable replacement for Duncan Robinson, who joined the Pistons in free agency.
Meanwhile, Carrington is a young point guard with high upside. Coming off his rookie season, the guard demonstrated his abilities by recording an average of 9.8 points per game, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.
With the arrival of CJ McCollum, Carrington may see a drop-off in minutes. He may not receive a starting spot in Miami, but the culture may help him grow in stature.
Kispert and Carrington both have multiple years on their contracts. With low-cost contracts, this trade would allow the Heat to clear roughly $8 million in cap space.
It seems unlikely that the Wizards would want to acquire Rozier, primarily because he’s a bad contract. But as an expiring one, Washington may see some benefit in the future by clearing cap space.
Utah Jazz
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Jusuf Nurkic, Svi Mykhailiuk, 2027 second-round pick (LAC)
Utah Jazz Receive: Terry Rozier
The Jazz‘s offseason plans have been very difficult to understand. After trading away John Collins, it appears that the team intends to tank next season as well. If that’s considered to be the case, then acquiring Rozier’s expiring contract may be in their best interest.
Meanwhile, Miami would walk away with a sizable haul after this trade. The additions of Jusuf Nurkic, Svi Mykhailiuk, and a 2027 second-round pick could be quite valuable.
Nurkic has been a serviceable center for the better part of his career. When considering the Heat’s lack of size in the frontcourt, he could be a solid addition to help strengthen it.
Last season, the Hornets’ big man recorded an average of 8.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. These could be meaningful contributions regardless of his position as a starter or bench player.
Meanwhile, Mykhailiuk has proven himself to be a capable perimeter threat. Although his shooting figures dipped over the last season, he could see a resurgence in a better system. Last season, he averaged 8.8 points on 34.5% shooting from beyond the arc.
The acquisition of Nurkic and Mykhailiuk is also in Miami’s interest because of their contract value, allowing them to shed nearly $3.6 million. With Nurkic also being on an expiring contract, the Heat would clear up more cap space next summer.
Chicago Bulls
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Nikola Vucevic
Chicago Bulls Receive: Terry Rozier, 2027 second-round pick
A swap deal between the Bulls and the Heat for Nikola Vucevic has been a trade idea that we have presented before. With the Heat looking to offload Rozier and the Bulls looking to offload Vucevic, this deal just makes sense.
Vucevic’s acquisition would answer a lot of questions for the Heat’s frontcourt problems. As a versatile big man, he gives Miami a lot of flexibility in managing its rotations.
Vucevic’s offensive productivity has been impressive. With his three-level scoring ability, he could be a capable offensive force while also supporting Adebayo on the rebounding glass. With an average of 18.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, the 34-year-old would be the ideal addition as well.
From a contract point of view, the Bulls’ big man is on an expiring contract as well. Additionally, with a cap hit of $21.4 million next season, acquiring him would allow the Heat to shed $5.2 million in salary.
Sacramento Kings
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: DeMar DeRozan
Sacramento Kings Receive: Terry Rozier, 2027 second-round pick (OKC/NYK/SAS swap)
A deal with the Sacramento Kings could prove to be mutually beneficial for both teams involved. Recent rumors of a handshake deal with DeRozan have sparked speculation about a potential trade to Miami.
Acquiring DeMar DeRozan could also be in Miami’s interest. Although acquiring the forward doesn’t address their primary roster concerns, he provides a solid scoring punch and veteran experience to this Heat team.
DeRozan’s greatest asset is his midrange scoring, a skill that would complement Miami’s sharpshooters. With an average of 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, the 35-year-old could bolster the team’s scoring efforts by being a significant contributor.
The Kings’ forward is expected to have a cap hit of $24.7 million this season. This would allow the Heat to clear $3 million in cap space. This isn’t a significant amount, but it certainly helps the team become more competitive in the regular season.
Trading Rozier Proves Challenging
Although the Heat intend to part ways with Rozier, doing so will not prove to be a simple task. When considering the betting allegations against him, teams may not be inclined to show an interest in acquiring him.
Rozier was under federal investigation for game manipulation. If found guilty, he will face serious penalties, including jail time.
In this scenario, the risk of seeing a player out of the rotation could be too much for other teams to gamble on. This would suggest that the Heat could explore the possibility of a contract buyout if they wish to open up a roster spot.
