The Miami Heat are looking like one of the best teams in the league to start the season. They currently sit with a 3-1 record, are among the top 10 in offensive rating, leading the league in points per game, 131.5, and are in the top five in defensive rating. The team is also tied for first in highest-scoring benches, 53.3, along with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Heat is already exceeding expectations compared to the national media's perspective. They've looked great, even with All-Star guard Tyler Herro having yet to play a game this season.

Given all the early success, the team is playing as if no surprising turn of events have come up, even though there were.

Less than 12 hours after the Heat's season opener in Orlando, against the Magic, Terry Rozier was arrested as part of an ongoing FBI gambling investigation. The news took the sports world by surprise, even the league itself. They were aware of the situation when it first occurred, in March of 2023, and conducted an independent investigation but found no wrongdoing.

Rozier was cleared, even after the Heat acquired him in a late January trade last year. However, the FBI has more access to evidence and resources than the league. The veteran guard, along with Portland Trail Blazers' Chauncey Billups, was put on leave.

The original idea was that Rozier would still receive his salary, but recent reports from multiple outlets confirmed that is no longer the case. Instead, it will be withheld and placed in a separate account until the investigation concludes.

However, the Heat will not have any cap relief, and Rozier's contract still takes up their financial books. He was set to make over $24 million this season. It prevents the organization from signing a replacement player, given their luxury tax situation, only $1.6 million below the line.

There have been conversations about the Heat potentially earning a complimentary draft pick after giving up a first-rounder for Rozier to the Charlotte Hornets. However, it's never been done in league history. 

The case could last until the end of the regular season, unless the charges were to miraculously drop.

The National Basketball Players' Association, or more commonly known as "The Union," released a statement saying that they will challenge the league's decision to withhold Rozier's salary.

"While we are in agreement with the league that upholding the integrity of the game is of the utmost importance, their decision to place Terry on leave without pay is counter to the presumption of innocence and inconsistent with the terms of our Collective Bargaining Agreement. We plan to challenge their decision via the proper channels.”

It's important to remember that the investigation is still ongoing, which means so much can change day by day.

The Heat went from a superstar contract dispute to an FBI scandal in the span of one offseason. However, this time, it's not affecting the on-court production.

Rozier will make his next appearance in early December.