Hornets Send 2026 Second-Round Pick to Heat to Resolve Terry Rozier Trade Dispute
NBA Settlement - Charlotte has agreed to send Miami a 2026 second-round draft pick to settle the dispute over Terry Rozier's federal gambling investigation, which emerged after their February 2024 trade deal that has left the Heat without their key acquisition.
Feb 7, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) dribbles up court during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat have reached a settlement over the Terry Rozier trade controversy. Charlotte will send Miami a 2026 second-round pick to resolve the dispute stemming from Rozier’s involvement in a federal gambling investigation that surfaced after the teams completed their trade in February 2024.
The pick will be the more favorable of either Golden State‘s or Denver‘s second-round selections, according to the agreement announced Monday. This resolution comes after months of uncertainty surrounding who knew what about Rozier’s legal troubles when the trade was executed.
An unprecedented situation for the NBA
The dispute centers on whether Charlotte disclosed Rozier’s involvement in the federal investigation before trading him to Miami for Kyle Lowry and a protected 2027 first-round pick. The Wall Street Journal reported in January 2025 that Rozier was under investigation for allegedly manipulating his performance while playing for the Hornets in 2023.
Rozier was arrested in October alongside Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones. The 31-year-old guard faces conspiracy charges for wire fraud and money laundering, each carrying potential 20-year prison sentences. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges, with his case potentially going to trial as early as May.
Financial implications for Miami
The situation created significant financial strain for the Heat, as Rozier’s $26.6 million salary represents approximately 17% of the team’s cap space. The guard hasn’t played since the NBA placed him on leave following his arrest, leaving Miami without their key acquisition while still carrying his substantial contract.
Federal prosecutors allege Rozier informed an associate he would remove himself early from a March 2023 game while with Charlotte. The associate allegedly sold this information to gamblers, who then placed more than $200,000 in bets on the under for Rozier’s statistical performance in that game.
An arbitrator ruled in Rozier’s favor in February regarding a salary dispute with the NBA that arose after his indictment. His salary, which had been placed in escrow following his arrest, was returned to him after the NBPA successfully appealed the agreement to withhold his compensation.
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Sylvain Sultat follows the NBA on a daily basis, covering individual performances, team dynamics, and the league's greatest stories. On Be-Basketball, he breaks down the latest American basketball news with passion and consistency, always on the lookout for the trends shaping the world of basketball.
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