After a season-long absence and federal charges, Terry Rozier's time with the Miami Heat is reportedly ending, freeing up a roster spot.
As the Miami Heat prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night at the Kaseya Center, Terry Rozier remains on the roster. He’s been away from the league entirely since Oct. 23, 2025. He was arrested due to alleged involvement in a federal illegal sports betting and money laundering case.
Rozier pleaded not guilty to two federal charges: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Meanwhile, the 32-year-old retained a roster spot from the Miami Heat, despite being away for virtually the entire season. However, that will likely change as it was reported on Thursday that Rozier is expected to be released.
The veteran guard was acquired in a 2023-24 midseason trade with the Charlotte Hornets, in exchange for Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick. He was brought in to provide another scoring option next to Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro. Instead, Rozier’s first full season with the Heat resulted in him averaging career lows across the board.
The former first-round selection was suspected of illegal sports betting towards the end of the 2022-23 season. In a March 23, 2023, matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Rozier only played 10 first-quarter minutes and finished with five points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal. He left the game early for supposed foot discomfort and wound up missing the rest of the year.
However, Rozier allegedly faked the injury to secure bets on his “unders.” The league conducted an internal investigation and found no wrongdoing, which allowed him to keep playing and for the trade to go through. The Heat were never made aware of any suspicious activity.
Despite not receiving cap relief, the Hornets reportedly sent a 2026 second-round draft pick to resolve the dispute. However, the Heat fully guaranteed Rozier’s expiring contract, with hopes of using it as a salary filler in a trade, most notably to acquire superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. He’s currently the fourth-highest paid player on the roster, $26.64 million. However, as the salary is already guaranteed, it would not open any meaningful cap space.
The Heat would free up an open roster spot and sign a free agent, such as veteran guard Alec Burks. The organization is currently about $6.8 million below the first apron, which is enough wiggle room to use once Rozier is officially off the team, which is reportedly happening in the upcoming days.
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