On Tuesday, the Miami Heat acquired guard Terry Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets, receiving a protected first-
round selection and Kyle Lowry in return. This season, Rozier, 29, is scoring 23.2 points per contest on average. His
contract is good for two more years. With Miami, Lowry, 37, is playing out the last year of a three-year contract he
signed in 2021.
HEAT: B+ Though my opinion on this move for Miami is still up in the air, the more thought I put into it, the more I
like it. Right now in their careers, Rozier is unquestionably superior to Lowry. Unsettling Terry provides the Heat
with much-needed offensive intensity from the point guard position, a player who can consistently get to the hoop,
and a natural partner for Bam Adebayo in pick-and-roll situations. These characteristics should all infuse vitality
into a Miami offense that is in desperate need of additional zest. In addition, Rozier has 50 postseason games of
experience, 19 of which he started for the Boston Celtics, a team that advanced to the 2018 conference finals.
Although Rozier’s defense isn’t flawless, the coach who may be most able to overcome it is Erik Spoelstra, and Rozier
has at least made it through a few crucial situations. He will definitely assist this club right away.
There are two minor issues that keep this move from receiving better grades. First, how will Rozier fit into Miami’s
backcourt with Tyler Herro? I still believe there is a problem for the Heat. Although Herro has made significant
progress, there is still some unclean fit between him and the Heat’s two studs, Adebayo and Jimmy .Those
worries are not allayed by the Rozier trade. Furthermore, Miami is somewhat hampered by that first-round pick
should the front staff decide to go star chasing in the summer. If that’s the case, Rozier’s contract can be moved, but
it’s something to watch out for.
HORNNETS: An Despite his skill set, Rozier’s contract isn’t the most palatable for potential players, thus there
wasn’t going to be a strong market for him. It makes sense to acquire both a first-round pick and a contract that is
about to expire. Charlotte is not leaving at this time. It’s hardly fun to become a first-round pick dump for terrible
pay, but that’s also how the Oklahoma City Thunder sparked their rebuild in part. The Hornets have greater
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flexibility on that front after clearing cap space. Charlotte might have a chance to make a change soon if they add
some more selections before the deadline and win the lottery this summer.
