Heat guarantee Terry Rozier contract for remainder of season

The Heat made a call Wednesday, and it wasn’t a small one.

The Heat opted not to waive guard Terry Rozier, according to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, which means his full cap hit for the 2025-26 season is now guaranteed.

Rozier’s $26.64 million salary had been partially guaranteed at roughly $24.9 million. Waiving him would have created about $1.7 million in cap savings, opened a second roster spot, and given Miami flexibility to add two players without crossing the luxury tax line.

They passed.

That’s notable, given Rozier has been inactive since October after being arrested on federal gambling charges and placed on league leave. Still, Miami determined it made more sense to keep him on the books.

The likely reason is flexibility. By holding onto Rozier, the Heat preserve his expiring contract as a potential salary-matching piece in a trade. The NBA hasn’t formally ruled on whether Miami would be allowed to include him in a deal, but the team is said to be confident the league wouldn’t block it.

While his cap hit is now locked in, Rozier’s salary is still being withheld by the NBA in an escrow-type account while he remains on leave. The Players Association is contesting that arrangement, with a ruling on the grievance expected later this month.

Rozier wasn’t alone in surviving decision day. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, no player on a standard non-guaranteed contract was waived Wednesday ahead of the salary guarantee deadline.

Three two-way players were cut, however. They are: Mark Sears of the Bucks, Malik Williams of the Hawks, and Tosan Evbuomwan of the Knicks.