NBA Notes: Heat in no rush on Rozier; Magic cap crunch; Wizards contract details

Heat

The Heat are still expected to waive Terry Rozier before season’s end, but there’s no urgency to make that move now, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

Rozier remains on leave following his arrest on federal gambling charges in the fall and is not expected to return this season. Because of that, Miami has little incentive to cut him before the March 1 deadline tied to playoff eligibility.

Jackson reports the Heat are not targeting a specific buyout candidate and are hesitant to add a veteran who duplicates what’s already on the roster.

Instead, Miami may preserve minutes for younger players and potentially use Rozier’s roster spot later to sign a developmental prospect to a multiyear deal.

Waiting also preserves flexibility should injuries create a positional need closer to the postseason.

Magic

Guard Jalen Suggs has been upgraded to questionable for Thursday against Houston after missing three games with a back strain, per Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel.

Suggs has appeared in just 34 of Orlando’s 57 games this season.

Meanwhile, Orlando faces some decisions this summer when it comes to the salary cap. Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron suggests Goga Bitadze and Jonathan Isaac could emerge as trade candidates.

Gozlan also noted that Paolo Banchero’s uneven season carries financial implications, as he won’t qualify for the higher 30 percent max unless he makes All-NBA.

Wizards

Washington used $2,857,143 of its non-taxpayer mid-level exception to promote Tristan Vukcevic to a standard deal, per Hoops Rumors. The contract includes a guaranteed $3 million in 2026-27 and a $3 million team option for 2027-28.

Forward Leaky Black signed a two-year two-way contract, meaning he would not reach restricted free agency until 2027 if he remains with the team, per Keith Smith of Spotrac.