A federal investigation into Terry Rozier's alleged gambling conspiracy nets the Miami Heat a future draft pick, resolving a season-long roster dilemma.
The NBA regular season reaches the final stretch, but the Miami Heat are still paying Terry Rozier's contract. The 11-year veteran has been away since Oct 5, 2025, after being arrested due to being connected to a federal illegal sports gambling conspiracy and betting schemes. He was accused of providing inside information regarding game availability and faking a foot injury to affect betting props.
Rozier pleaded not guilty to two federal charges: conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering on Dec. 8, 2025.
As the investigation is still ongoing, it was reported on Monday that the Charlotte Hornets are sending a 2026 second-round pick to the Heat to resolve the dispute over the 31-year-old's case.
The Heat acquired Rozier on Jan. 23, 2024, in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick and veteran guard Kyle Lowry, who was then bought out and signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. Before the trade, he was under league investigation for allegedly leaving a Hornets-New Orleans Pelicans matchup early on March 23, 2023. The reason was due to a right foot injury. Rozier would miss the remainder of the regular season.
Before the scandal was known publicly, the Heat traded for him to spark the offense. Rozier averaged 23.2 points on 45.9 percent shooting, 35.8 percent from three-point range, 3.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in 30 games before joining the Heat. A year later, the veteran guard would have his worst statistical season since 2019.
The Heat weren't made aware of the investigation before making the deal official. The organization did not attempt to sue the Hornets, Rozier, or the league. They did not receive any salary cap compensation either.
In an early Feb. arbitration, the final ruling was in favor of Rozier getting paid the remainder of his NBA salary after it was held in escrow. He would have made $26.64 million after this season.
"Terry won today under principles of contract law and the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and the players, but the bigger principle at issue is the presumption of innocence," said Rozier's attorney Jim Trusty in a statement. "Today's arbitration ruling reminds the NBA that they can't ignore that important concept just because it's a high-profile case."
The Heat have played all season with someone occupying a roster spot, but hasn't appeared in a single game. They currently sit with a 36-29 record, seventh in the Eastern Conference standings.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Heat News: