Terry Rozier Joins Miami Coaching—Is the Deal Coming?

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier continues to face an unclear future because the 2025-26 NBA season approaches. Despite ongoing rumors of a possible commerce or buyout, the veteran guard is predicted to take part in Miami’s coaching camp subsequent week.

Rozier was concerned in unlawful playing exercise when he was nonetheless a Charlotte Hornets participant. The identical incident led to a lifetime ban of former Toronto Raptors ahead Jontay Porter.

Rozier Still Under Federal Investigation

According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Rozier will be part of the Heat coaching camp quickly. Amid the rumors that the Heat will welcome him as soon as once more

His final sport with the Miami Heat got here on April 13 in a 119-118 loss to the Washington Wizards, the place he went scoreless, taking pictures 0-of-9 from the sphere and 0-of-4 from three in 34 minutes.

Complicating issues additional is Rozier’s involvement in a federal investigation linked to suspicious playing actions. It was reported {that a} skilled bettor positioned 30 wagers inside 46 minutes, all tied to Rozier’s efficiency in a 2023 matchup.

The NBA confirmed it launched its personal evaluation on the time. Spokesperson Mike Bass acknowledged that the league discovered no violations of NBA guidelines however acknowledged cooperation with an ongoing probe by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. The case stays energetic, protecting Rozier’s standing clouded heading into the season.

Rozier’s Consistently Poor Performance

According to Basketball Insiders, Rozier performed 64 video games final 12 months, the place he began in 23 video games. He averaged 10.6 factors, 3.7 rebounds, and a couple of.6 assists throughout 25.9 minutes per sport. However, his taking pictures percentages have been underwhelming at 39.1% from the sphere and 29.5% from past the arc.

That’s only a shadow of his 2023-24 season, the place he averaged 19.8 factors, 5.6 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 61 video games.

Heat Buyout and Waiver Talks

Reports recommend that Miami has thought-about a buyout of Rozier’s contract, however no progress has been made. Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel revealed that discussions came about earlier this month, although exterior curiosity within the 31-year-old stays minimal.

If the Heat waives Rozier earlier than the January 10 assure deadline, they may create monetary flexibility. However, doing so comes with important threat. Should Rozier endure an damage earlier than his launch, the $26.6 million he’s owed this season would turn into totally assured.

Another possibility can be stretching his contract, decreasing his $26.6 million cap hit to $8.9 million yearly over three years. While that may ease fast monetary pressure, it may hinder Miami’s future cap flexibility.

Rozier is ready to hitch his teammates within the coaching camp regardless of the uncertainty surrounding his profession. Between the continued federal probe, inconsistent on-court manufacturing, and complicated monetary implications, the Heat should fastidiously weigh its subsequent steps.