Heat Retain Rozier, Guarantee $26.6M Salary

The Miami Heat opted not to waive guard Terry Rozier before a league-mandated 5 p.m. Wednesday deadline, guaranteeing the full $26.6 million of his salary for the 2024-25 season despite his ongoing absence due to federal gambling charges. The decision, made in Miami, preserves Rozier's spot on the team's 15-man roster and positions the Heat to potentially include his expiring contract in a trade before the NBA's February 5 deadline.

Rozier, 31, has not played for the Heat since their season-opening loss to the Orlando Magic on October 22, 2024. He was arrested the following morning at the team's hotel in Orlando as part of a broader federal investigation into illegal gambling operations. Federal authorities charged him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, alleging he provided nonpublic information about his playing status to enable prop bets during a March 23, 2023, game while with the Charlotte Hornets.

According to the indictment, Rozier informed childhood friend Deniro Laster that he planned to exit early against the New Orleans Pelicans citing a foot injury. Laster allegedly sold the tip to bettors for about $100,000, who placed...