Terry Rozier has been on the trade market for some time, as the Miami Heat have been inquiring about potential opportunities to move the veteran guard. In recent updates provided by NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Heat may even be considering a contract buyout to move the guard. He wrote:
“Sources say Miami still hopes to part with veteran guard Terry Rozier even though there is said to be scant trade interest in the 31-year-old. Rozier is scheduled to make $26.6 million this season, and the Heat are said to have some interest in buying him out. To be clear, though, no buyout appears imminent.”
Rozier’s time with the Heat could be coming to an end. Although the 31-year-old guard has been mentioned in several trade rumors, Fischer reported that the interest from teams has been limited. In this regard, a contract buyout would appear to be the preferred alternative.
Miami’s decision to part with Rozier seems sensible, especially in light of their roster development this offseason. With the acquisition of Norman Powell and the growth of Tyler Herro into a franchise player, the Heat have successfully established a solid backcourt pairing.
In addition to these two players, Miami has significant guard depth on its bench. Having re-signed Davion Mitchell, the team secured their primary on-ball defender off the bench. Along with Mitchell, the Heat also feature newly-signed Dru Smith, up-and-coming sophomore guard Pelle Larsson, and rookie Kasparas Jakucionis.
Given their offseason practices, Miami’s roster is trending toward a more flexible, wing-heavy rotation. Considering their decision to trade Haywood Highsmith for a second-round draft pick to shed salary, the Heat could still look to make moves.
On this note, moving on from Rozier could be an attempt on behalf of the Heat organization to clear up a roster spot. Miami may not see much value in retaining the 31-year-old, given his limited production in the last season.
With an average of 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, while shooting 39.1% from the field and 29.5% from beyond the arc, the 31-year-old could remain a solid scorer. But his scoring doesn’t necessarily translate into playmaking and defensive contributions.
In many ways, Rozier doesn’t fit the template for the guard the Heat would need in the upcoming season.
In addition to a misalignment between Rozier’s style of play and Miami’s outlook, the veteran guard continues dealing with his betting scandals and ongoing investigations. Given the effect this may have had on his trade value, the Heat may need to consider buying him out if they truly intend to part ways with him.
