ESPN's Brian Windhorst chimes on the Miami Heat's situation involving Terry Rozier
The Miami Heat are still dealing with the ramifications of the Terry Rozier gambling investigation.
While it hasn't been a distraction of late, many are discussing if the Heat should get back the No. 9 pick it lost in the Rozier trade. The Heat are optimistic but ESPN insider Brian Windhorst thinks otherwise.
“I don’t think there’s any chance [Miami’s] getting the pick back," Windhorst said on the Hoop Collective podcast. "There have been times in the past where the league has given compensatory picks. It's rare, but it has happened. But you're not getting like the ninth pick in next year's draft.”
The story broke during the preseason but has since moved to the back page of the news because of limited developments. It was once again at the forefront before Tuesday's NBA Cup title game between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs in Las Vegas. League commissioner Adam was asked if ramifications of the lawsuit would impact the Heat. Also, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Damon Jones were other figures involved.
The Heat are awaiting if the Rozier ruling will after the draft pick they were due as part of the trade with the Charlotte Hornets at the trade deadline of the 2023-24 season.
“I’m incredibly sympathetic to the Heat and their fans," Silver said. "We’re going to try and work this out with them. There’s no obvious solution here. There’s no doubt at the moment they have a player that can’t provide services for them. The draft pick they conveyed obviously he hasn’t been convicted of anything either. This is an unfortunate circumstance. We’ll be looking at this with the Heat and other teams and see if they’re any satisfactory relief."
Rozier has been away from the Heat since, on what was originally paid leave, until it was reported that his payment will be withheld until the case reaches a verdict. However, the 11-year veteran's $26.63 million expiring contract is still occupying the organization's cap space. They're not expected to receive any financial relief, especially with the case likely to drag out after the season.
The Heat have commented little publicly on the matter. They are in the middle of trying to make the postseason but are in the middle of a five-game losing streak.
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of HeatRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com