The knock on the door came just one week into the 2025-26 campaign. When the FBI arrested Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier for his alleged role in a gambling scandal, the franchise was thrown into chaos. The NBA acted fast, placing him on administrative leave immediately.

But while Rozier’s career hangs in the balance, the Heat front office is scrambling to solve a $26.6 million puzzle that could define their season.

Can Miami Include Terry Rozier in a Trade?

Even though Rozier hasn’t played a minute this season, his contract might be more valuable than his production right now. The 16th pick in the 2015 draft is sitting on a massive expiring deal. He signed a four-year, $96.3 million extension with Charlotte in 2022, and he is owed $26.6 million this year before the contract expires in 2026.

Expiring contracts are gold at the trade deadline. Contenders usually trade for them to clear cap space, while rebuilding teams will eat the money if it comes with draft compensation. In a normal situation, Miami could flip this deal to plug holes in its rotation. But this situation is anything but normal.

Heat reporter Ira Winderman broke the news that the NBA has not clarified if the team is actually allowed to move Rozier.

Heat still without NBA clarity regarding whether they can include Rozier’s salary in a trade. https://t.co/I6uFO2tPBD The NBA declined to say whether the Heat are banned from including Rozier’s salary in a trade, with the Heat yet to receive any clarity from the NBA.

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) November 21, 2025

This limbo creates a massive headache for Erik Spoelstra’s staff. Rozier is occupying a roster spot that Miami desperately needs to use. The infirmary is already getting crowded. Tyler Herro hasn’t touched the floor this season as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery. The wing rotation is thinning out too, with Andrew Wiggins missing the last game and Nikola Jović sitting out the previous two due to hip injuries.

If the league office gives the green light, Miami could package Rozier’s salary to a team willing to absorb the hit. That trade partner would likely waive Rozier immediately, but could send back low-level draft picks or role players to help the Heat survive these injuries.

But if the league says no? Miami gets nothing. They would be forced to let a $26.6 million asset expire without any return on investment. Rozier hits free agency next summer regardless, though his legal troubles likely mean he won’t see many offers.

Why Did the Rozier Trade Fall Apart?

Looking back, the deal was struggling before the legal issues surfaced. Miami sent a 2027 protected first-round pick to Charlotte at the 2024 deadline, hoping Rozier would provide shot creation and spacing. Instead, his numbers tanked.

Rozier averaged just 10.6 points last season while shooting a rough 29.5% from deep on 4.8 attempts per night. He played only 25.9 minutes per game, his lowest average since the 2018-19 season. The fit never materialized on the court, and now, the off-court drama has brought the experiment to a screeching halt.