Three Reasons the Heat Cannot Trade Terry Rozier

A year and a half ago, the Miami Heat sent one first-round pick to acquire Terry Rozier. Now, they cannot find a trade that will send the guard to another team. Why is that? Well, it is not for the lack of trying. Let’s take a look at the three main reasons the Heat cannot find a trade for the veteran guard.

Three Reasons the Heat Cannot Trade Terry Rozier

According to the latest reports, the Miami Heat are actively shopping Rozier and his expiring contract. They would accept just about anything, even though they would prefer frontcourt help. But despite their efforts, they cannot find a trade partner. Sources for the Five on the Floor podcast, which is part of the Five Reasons Sports Network, say the Heat are actively trying to trade Rozier. Let’s take a look why they cannot find a suitable partner.

Rozier Has a High Salary

Terry is in the final year of his contract, which will pay him $26 million for the 2025-26 season. The Heat do not have other contracts they can package with Rozier to get another player. If we look at player salaries for the upcoming season, there are not many players who would be available in that range. One logical option is Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets. But while he has a similar salary to Rozier, he has three more years left on his contract. More importantly, the Nets want to get something in return for Claxton, probably a first-round pick or even a second-round pick. Another option might be Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls, who also has an expiring contract. But in that deal, the Heat would have to send a future pick as well.

The Heat already paid one first-round pick to acquire Rozier, and now they might need to pay another to get rid of him. They have their picks in 2026, ’29, ’30, ’31, and ’32. But are they willing to include them? They have second round picks in 2026 and ’27, but they are already with plenty of restrictions and protections.

Not Willing to Take Future Salary

The Heat have clearly stated they want to preserve cap space for the summers of 2026 and 2027. If they trade Rozier, they would prefer to take back expiring money back, or even better, no salary at all. For the latter option, only teams like the Brooklyn Nets have cap space to absorb his salary. Then, we have the problem of sending incentives to the Nets to take on Rozier and his salary.

Rozier is Not That Good Anymore

Last season, Rozier’s production fell off a cliff. He went from averaging 16.4 points in his previous half-season with the Heat to averaging 10.6 points. His efficiency fell as well, down to 39% from the floor and 29.5% from behind the arc. Terry is 31 years old, and he will turn 32 during the 2025-26 season. It is hard to imagine his production suddenly improving. It might have been a fluke, but it is obvious he is no longer an electric scorer off the bench who can give you close to 20 points. That is why teams are not lining up to get him.