Miami Heat are set to waive guard Terry Rozier on Friday, bringing an end to his tenure with the team. This move, reported by multiple sources including ESPN and The Athletic, comes after Rozier was indicted in October on federal charges including conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. Rozier has entered a plea of not guilty.
The decision to waive Rozier, initially anticipated around the trade deadline and later suggested for the end of the regular season, is now confirmed for Friday. This action allows the Heat to free up a roster spot, presumably to bring in a player for their playoff run. The team had previously guaranteed the final $1.7 million of Rozier's contract in January, indicating an initial intention to explore trade possibilities before ultimately deciding on a waiver.
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Rozier has been on indefinite leave from the team since his arrest, missing the entirety of the current season. His last game appearance for the Heat was brief, playing just over nine minutes in the season opener. His absence coincides with the team's current standing of 38-31, placing them seventh in the Eastern Conference as of Thursday.
The circumstances surrounding Rozier’s indictment involved federal investigations into illegal sports gambling. Despite the charges, Rozier has maintained his innocence through his legal representatives. The Hornets, in a separate transaction, had agreed to send a second-round pick in the upcoming NBA draft to Miami, a move reportedly tied to resolving contractual disputes.
While Rozier's immediate future in the NBA remains uncertain, the Heat will have until Sunday to sign a 15th player to their roster, with possibilities including elevating players from two-way contracts. This decision finalizes what has been a tumultuous period for both the player and the franchise since his arrest in October.
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