MIAMI – Terry Rozier, a notable figure in the NBA, has been waived by the Miami Heat following serious legal troubles. The decision, announced on Friday, comes as Rozier faces federal charges linked to a gambling operation. This procedural move allows the Heat to make roster adjustments ahead of the postseason, which is set to commence shortly.
Rozier’s brief tenure with the Heat consisted of just one game during the season opener against Orlando on October 22, where he did not participate. His arrest occurred the following morning at the team hotel, leading to charges that he provided insider information to assist individuals in winning bets on his performance during a game in which he played for the Charlotte Hornets back in 2023.
With the Heat aiming to finalize their roster by Sunday, they are preparing for the play-in tournament slated for either Tuesday or Wednesday. Rozier’s situation has been complicated by the NBA placing him on leave shortly after his arrest. Despite the legal challenges, he has continued to receive his $26.6 million salary this season, initially paid into an interest-bearing account until an arbitrator ruled he was entitled to the funds.
The Miami Heat acquired Rozier in January 2024, unaware of the impending gambling probe. In a trade deal, they sent veteran player Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round draft pick to Charlotte. In an unusual turn of events, the Hornets later provided Miami with a second-round pick in this year’s draft, likely to settle a dispute regarding undisclosed information during the initial trade discussions.
The deadline for Miami to waive a player with either an expiring contract or one that includes a team option was set for Friday at 5 p.m. Throughout the season, the Heat has continued to list Rozier on injury reports as “not with team,” despite the clarity surrounding his absence. Interestingly, his nameplate remained over his locker, underscoring the oddity of his situation.
There has been limited contact between Rozier and the Heat since his arrest. Although he reached out via text to congratulate teammate Bam Adebayo on a standout performance, he has not been seen with the team since October. Rozier’s prior performance in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans raised eyebrows, as there were reports of unusual betting activity surrounding his stats, yet at that time, the NBA’s investigation found no grounds to prevent him from playing.
In that March 23, 2023, game, Rozier started and managed to contribute five points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal in just over nine minutes before citing foot pain as his reason for not returning. The Charlotte Hornets have not publicly acknowledged whether they were aware of any federal investigations concerning Rozier at that time.
Throughout his career, Rozier has averaged 13.9 points per game, with prior stints at the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets before joining the Heat. During his time with Miami, he participated in 95 games, contributing to the team’s overall performance.
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