Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups Will Not Receive Salaries During Legal Leave
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Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups will not be paid while they remain on administrative leave following their recent federal gambling-related arrests, according to multiple reports.
The Associated Press first reported that Rozier’s NBA paychecks will be withheld. ESPN’s Shams Charania later confirmed that both men’s salaries are being placed in escrow until the FBI’s cases are resolved. Rozier’s 2025-26 cap hit stands at approximately $26.6 million, and he was scheduled to collect the first of 24 twice-monthly payments—worth $1,110,126 each—later this week. A source told the AP that Rozier would receive the full amount retroactively if he is cleared to return.
Despite the withheld salary, the league has not granted the Heat immediate luxury-tax or cap relief, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported. Team and league officials continue to discuss potential exceptions, with a scenario still possible in which Miami gains special relief without voiding Rozier’s contract. The Heat are currently at the tax threshold and cannot sign a 15th player without moving into tax territory.
Federal investigators allege that Rozier supplied a friend with inside information about his health and removed himself from a March 2023 game while with the Charlotte Hornets so that several “under” prop bets would cash. He exited that game citing a foot injury and did not play again that season.
ESPN previously reported that Rozier faced an $8,218,211 IRS tax lien later in 2023. His attorney, Jim Trusty, disputed the figure, asserting that the guard owed only about $9,000 in 2021 taxes, which has since been paid. Trusty told Fox News that Rozier’s disclosure to a friend was not intended for illicit betting and criticized prosecutors for targeting his client.
Source: Hoops Rumors
