MIAMI — The Miami Heat will obtain a 2026 second-round draft pick from the Charlotte Hornets as additional compensation related to the January 2024 trade for guard Terry Rozier.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the pick will be the more favorable of the Golden State Warriors’ or Denver Nuggets’ second-round selections in the 2026 draft, a choice currently expected to be the Warriors’ pick.
Background of the dispute
The agreement resolves a conflict that emerged after Rozier was implicated in a federal investigation into illegal sports betting. Arrested in October 2025, Rozier has remained on indefinite leave throughout the current season.
Miami officials said they were unaware of either the betting activity or an NBA inquiry when they acquired Rozier from Charlotte in January 2024, several months after the alleged gambling incident.
League involvement
Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the unusual circumstances in December 2025, stating the league was “sympathetic to the Heat” and working toward a fair solution. The second-round pick completes that effort.
Remaining draft considerations
Under the original trade terms, Miami still owes Charlotte a protected first-round pick. The selection is top-14 protected in 2027 and would become an unprotected 2028 first-rounder if protections carry over.
Rozier’s current status
Rozier, 31, initially was placed on unpaid leave but later won arbitration, securing his full $26.6 million salary for the season. He remains on the Heat roster, though the team retains the option to waive him before the regular-season finale.
The newly granted 2026 second-rounder concludes the league’s intervention in the matter.
Source: Hoops Rumors
