It was clear from the start of the season that Vročica really needed another defender. This fact became even more evident later in the season. Kyle Lowry is the only defenseman currently on the roster. Head coach Erik Spoelstra recently benched Lowry, who was 37 years old in a bad season.
His replacement could come soon. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on Monday that the Heat are the team to watch in the search for Terry Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets. A few days ago, it was reported that he is “known to be the favorite” to be traded to Miami. He would be a great reinforcement for the Heat and would help them a lot.
Heat trade rumours: Hornets Terry Rozier to Miami?
Miami Heat trade rumours – Terry Rozier
Terry Rozier is having arguably the best season of his nine-year NBA career. He is second on the Hornets in points, assists and steals.
He is averaging a career-high 23.6 points per game and 6.7 assists per game, while shooting 42% from the field and 52.7% from the field. Charlotte is 13th in the Eastern Conference with a 10-31 record.
They are still in the midst of a transformation. With Rozier having two years left on his contract after this season, the Hornets could get a good piece to help them rebuild by trading him.
How he fits in Miami:
As I mentioned above, the Hornets have had a big hole at the point guard spot since the summer. That was before Lowry’s troubles. Now that hole is even bigger. The team needs another scorer, as it is currently 26th in the league in points per game. Terry Rozier would fill that hole nicely. He is a high scorer and can play both guard positions.
In Miami, he would be the first line leader in the post, which is something Miami desperately needs. He would also give them another role in creating shots on the perimeter. Rozier would be a third or fourth option on offense and the way he is playing this year, he would be a good option. Plus, he would be able to jump in on nights when Jimmy Butler or Bam Adebayo aren’t playing or aren’t feeling well.
The Heat aren’t the only team interested in Rozier’s services. Dejounte Murray, who seems to be the focus of many teams, is also available. If Miami decides that Murray is too expensive for their liking or if they want to sort something out quicker, Rozier is the obvious and cheaper option.
What a trade could look like:
Any trade for Rozier would almost certainly involve Lowry leaving for Charlotte. However, that alone is unlikely to get a deal done. The Fever would have to add a second-round pick.
At most, adding a protected first-round pick and/or one of their own players like Caleb Martin or Josh Richardson to Lowry’s expiring contract would be enough to get a deal done. A smaller trade package would keep the door open for the Heat to make a second, possibly bigger trade in the future before the trade deadline in early February.