Heat stuck with Terry Rozier deal as NBA awaits evidence

The Heat are unable to terminate Terry Rozier’s contract at this time, and it has little to do with cap math.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the NBA has not been granted access to the evidence that will be used in the federal case involving Rozier.

Without that material, the league lacks the basis to overturn its prior findings and cannot move to void his deal, as it did last season with Jontay Porter.

Because of that uncertainty, Miami has proceeded as if Rozier’s contract remains usable. Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press reports that the Heat opted not to waive the veteran guard before his guarantee date, locking in his full $26.64 million salary for the 2025–26 season.

The decision came with a cost. Waiving Rozier would have created roughly $1.7 million in cap savings, opened a second roster spot and allowed Miami to add players without crossing the luxury-tax line. Instead, the Heat chose flexibility over marginal relief.

That choice is notable given Rozier has not played since October after being arrested on federal gambling charges and placed on league leave. Still, Miami believes his expiring salary can be used in a trade if the right opportunity arises.