Heat expected to move on from Terry Rozier before playoffs

Terry Rozier has been on the roster. He hasn’t really been part of the team. That may be changing soon.

The Heat are expected to waive Rozier in the coming weeks, per Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, as they look to open a roster spot ahead of the postseason.

It’s been a unique situation. Rozier has been on leave since October following his arrest on federal gambling-related charges. Miami kept him through the trade deadline, largely for salary-matching purposes with his $26.6 million expiring deal.

Nothing materialized. Now there’s little reason to hold on.

The Heat have room below the luxury tax and can absorb the remaining salary. They’ve also stayed relatively healthy, limiting the urgency to make a move earlier. Young players and two-way guys haven’t exactly been short on competition for minutes.

That said, flexibility matters. Holding the 15th spot a little longer gives Miami options. If injuries hit late, they can target a specific need. Guard. Wing. Depth piece.

There’s also the internal route. Promoting a two-way player remains on the table.

Either way, the clock is ticking. Rozier would need to be waived by April 9 to be postseason eligible elsewhere.

And all signs point to that being the direction Miami takes.