The Miami Heat are unlikely to waive guard Terry Rozier before the March 1 playoff-eligibility deadline, even though the veteran is not expected to play again this season after his fall arrest on federal gambling charges, according to the Miami Herald.
Heat
Team officials see no immediate benefit in cutting Rozier, league sources told the newspaper. Waiting preserves a roster spot for possible injury replacements closer to the postseason and avoids adding a veteran whose skill set overlaps with current rotation players. Miami could instead keep minutes open for younger contributors or eventually sign a developmental prospect to a multiyear deal.
Magic
Orlando upgraded guard Jalen Suggs to questionable for Thursday’s home game against the Houston Rockets after he missed three contests with a back strain, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Suggs has appeared in 34 of the Magic’s 57 games this year.
Looking ahead to the offseason, front-office decisions will be shaped by the salary cap. Analyst Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron identified center Goga Bitadze and forward Jonathan Isaac as potential trade candidates. Gozlan also noted that forward Paolo Banchero will be ineligible for a 30 percent maximum extension unless he earns an All-NBA selection after an inconsistent sophomore campaign.
Wizards
The Washington Wizards used $2,857,143 of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception to convert rookie center Tristan Vukcevic to a standard NBA contract, according to Hoops Rumors. The new deal guarantees $3 million in 2026-27 and includes a $3 million team option for 2027-28.
In a separate move, forward Leaky Black signed a two-year two-way agreement. If Black remains with the club for the duration, he will not reach restricted free agency until 2027, per salary-cap expert Keith Smith of Spotrac.
Source: Hoops Wire
