Arbitrator rules for Terry Rozier in salary dispute, releasing withheld pay as legal proceedings continue. The Miami Heat's trade flexibility remains unchanged.
As the Miami Heat continue with the regular season, Terry Rozier is handling business off the court. The 31-year-old has been away from the team since being arrested on Oct. 23, 2025, with alleged ties to illegal sports betting. He's been placed on leave with his $26.64 million salary being withheld in escrow.
However, it was reported on Monday that an arbitrator ruled in favor of Rozier in a salary dispute with the NBA, granting for it to be released. This news came just days away from the trade deadline. As the Heat continue to make a push for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the organization has been working under the impression that they can use his contract in a potential deal; the ruling changes nothing in that case.
The arbitrator emphasized that the only cases in which a player can go unpaid are in cases of domestic abuse or child abuse, citing the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
"Terry won today under the principles of contract law and the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and the players," Jim Trust, Rozier's attorney, said in a statement. "The bigger principle at issue is the presumption of innocence. Today's arbitration ruling reminds the NBA that they can't ignore that important concept just because it's a high-profile case."
A statement by the National Basketball Players Association:
"We are pleased with the arbitrator's ruling and remain committed to ensuring that Terry's due process rights are protected and that he is afforded the presumption of innocence throughout this process."
In early Dec., Rozier pleaded not guilty to two federal charges: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The next court date for him is March 3rd.
The Heat fully guaranteed Rozier's salary on Jan. 7th, with hopes of using it as a salary filler in potential trades. He's unlikely to come back to the team this season, which is when his contract is set to expire.
Regardless, the 11-year veteran guard wasn't great for the Heat last season on the basketball court: averaging 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 39.1 percent from the field, 29.5 percent from three-point range in 64 games.
Rozier was acquired in a midseason trade in 2024 from the Charlotte Hornets, in exchange for Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick. There have been no signs of the Heat receiving draft or salary compensation.
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