It could be a fair assessment to say that the Terry Rozier trade has not worked out for the Miami Heat. Prior to last season’s trade deadline, Miami unloaded Kyle Lowry’s expiring contract along with a first-round draft pick to acquire Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets.
They could have used Lowry’s expiring to bring in some more talent in the offseason, but instead pulled the trigger on Rozier. The 11-year veteran has posted his lowest numbers across the board since 2019. He is averaging just 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists on 40% shooting and 35% from 3-point range.
Those stats are all steep declines from his most recent Hornets stint, where he averaged a career-high 23.2 points and 6.6 assists in his half season there last year. It is clear that is not the version of Rozier that the Heat have gotten, who has recently been demoted to a bench role. Although he has played more effectively in closing lineups, it still hasn’t been enough to justify his price tag.
Rozier is set to earn nearly $25 million this season, and under contract for $26.6 million next year before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026. But can the Heat get out of his deal early by testing the open market? There could be several impact players available that could be less costly with more production.
Gabe Vincent
Miami was unable to bring back 2023 standout guard Gabe Vincent following their most recent NBA Finals run. Unfortunately for Vincent, he has not looked like a good fit for the LA Lakers. And they have reportedly been shopping him for a while now.
Getting Vincent back to Miami in a Rozier-centered deal would need another salary to make a deal work. Rui Hachimura could be a prime candidate, along with the Heat throwing in another player to offset the difference.
Vincent had his best years for the Heat, and the impact he brought could be a perfect two-way fit alongside the team’s improved core.
Lonzo Ball
The Chicago Bulls have seemed to be sellers around the league for years now. They aren’t good enough to make any noise in the Eastern Conference, but aren’t bad enough to completely tank. Lonzo Ball is reportedly on the trade market, along with some other Bull’s stars.
Ball’s contract is close to Rozier’s and could be the easiest financially to maneuver. His offensive upside and improved shooting could be attractive enough to take a gamble on. If his injury issues persist, at least he is on an expiring contract to open up more flexibility.
Marcus Smart
Marcus Smart has been unable to find his footing in his post-Boston Celtics career. But what if Heat Culture could be enough to revive it? The former Defensive Player of the Year could be exactly what the Heat are looking for in their guard depth.
His ability to defend as good as the best in the league and knock down open shots could have him fit in like a glove with Miami. He is on a fair contract of just under $21 million, making it a solid option if the Heat are trying to add someone with win-now potential. Perhaps it could add some renewed juice to the Miami and Boston rivalry before another postseason.
Malcolm Brogdon
Another former Celtic, and Sixth Man of the Year award winner in Malcom Brogdon, is in a losing situation with the Washington Wizards. A veteran of his caliber as an impactful role player doesn’t mesh well with a rebuilding team. The Heat should do their due diligence on his availability if they are trying to find a Rozier replacement.
Brogdon has an iffy injury history over recent years, but still a capable contributor if healthy. If an acquisition doesn’t work out in Miami, at least they will have the flexibility of another expiring contract to work with.
Bruce Brown
If the Heat opt to replace Rozier for a non-point guard player, Bruce Brown would be another attractive target. Brown helped take down Miami in the 2023 NBA Finals as a member of the champion Denver Nuggets. Now he is stuck in a losing situation with the Toronto Raptors, where the 6-foot-4 wing has barely seen any action on the court.
Brown could provide versatility with his ability to play either of the wing positions, along with small ball power forward in coach Erik Spoelstra’s system. His two-way impact could be a welcomed addition to a Heat team that strives to have a defensive identity.