Not too long ago, Terry Rozier was a productive starter for the Charlotte Hornets. But now, he has virtually zero trade value, and the outlook for his resurgence appears grim.
From the 2019-20 season to the middle of the 2023-24 season, Rozier averaged 20.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Despite shooting just 43.6 percent from the field, he had apparently done enough to make the Miami Heat believe he could be a key contributor to what they had hoped would be a deep run in the 2024 playoffs.
The Heat put so much premium on Rozier that they sent a lottery-protected 2027 first-round pick to Charlotte to acquire him. As it turned out, he couldn't help his new team because he suffered a neck injury that kept him out of the last 11 contests of the regular season, the play-in tournament, and its 4-1 loss to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.
The 2024-25 campaign was supposed to be Rozier's chance at redemption. However, he proved to be too inconsistent while Miami languished in the standings. Consequently, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra decided to pull the guard out of the starting lineup, marking the first time he was not a full-time starter since joining the Hornets in 2019, and eventually the rotation.
They may not admit it, but the Heat are probably regretting giving up a valuable draft pick in exchange for someone who may now be a negative asset.
Timing of Hornets' cash-in was terrific
Rumor has it that Miami has been trying to get rid of Rozier this summer. It probably does not help his case to remain with the organization that his name has been attached to a sports betting scandal.
Ethan J. Skolnick of Five Reasons Sports Network reported last month that the Heat have been shopping the veteran for "just about anything." Evidently, they have yet to find a taker, even though other franchises, particularly those in need of backcourt reinforcement, can basically get him for free.
An intriguing development is Tyler Herro being expected to miss the first several weeks of the regular season. Yet, Rozier remains expendable, with Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints stating that Miami is already considering waiving "Scary Terry" as there has still been no interest in him in the trade market and that he doesn't want a buyout.
Perhaps the 2015 first-round selection thinks his NBA career could be over if he exits Miami voluntarily. It wouldn't be surprising if that is indeed the case, and the Hornets faithful should be thankful that Charlotte was able to squeeze as much value as possible out of him last year.
Of course, Buzz City fans should also be grateful for how Rozier performed in the four-and-a-half seasons he spent with the squad. It was uneven at best, but he did help the Hornets bolster their collection of draft picks.