NBA fans are criticizing the Miami Heat.
Heat Facing Backlash After Terry Rozier Trade Report Surfaces originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Terry Rozier endured a difficult 2024-25 campaign for the Miami Heat. In 64 games, he averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 25.9 minutes per contest. His shooting numbers were concerning, hitting 39.1% from the field and just 29.5% from beyond the arc. With his production dipping, Rozier’s $26.6 million NBA salary for the 2025-26 season now looks like a significant liability for the Heat.
As Miami looks to improve its roster ahead of next season, the front office reportedly explored ways to move Rozier this offseason. One of such scenarios involved a deal with the Washington Wizards for former Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart.
Per NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Heat and Wizards held talks centered around a Rozier-for-Smart swap. However, Miami’s front office couldn’t reach a consensus on whether Smart would be a clear upgrade.
As a result, negotiations stalled. Smart eventually agreed to a buyout with the Wizards and signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, while Rozier remains on the Heat roster.
“Sources say Miami has explored the feasibility of trading away veteran guard Terry Rozier this offseason,” Stein wrote. “Jake says Miami weighed a Rozier-for-Smart swap but could not reach an organizational consensus on whether such a trade was a clear upgrade.”
Some people within the Heat’s organization weren’t sure if Marcus Smart was a clear upgrade over Terry Rozier, per @TheSteinLine
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 29, 2025
“Sources say Miami has explored the feasibility of trading away veteran guard Terry Rozier this offseason. Jake says Miami weighed a Rozier-for-Smart… pic.twitter.com/gOnVl70ewg
Miami’s decision not to pull the trigger on the trade has drawn significant criticism. Fans quickly took to social media to question the front office’s judgment, pointing to Rozier’s drop-off and the team’s need for a tougher backcourt presence.
“So many players are an upgrade over 'scary' Terry, wtf is Miami doing,” one fan wrote.
“Pat Riley needs to hang it up,” another fan said.
“This mentality is why Miami is gonna be at the bottom of the East this year,” a fan noted.
“Moves like this will hold the heat back and riley will look like a fool,” another fan mentioned.
“💀💀 no wonder the Heat FO can’t land any players,” another fan posted.
“A fly on the wall is more of an upgrade,” another fan joked.
Whether the organization revisits trade options for Rozier or chooses to move forward with its current core, pressure is mounting on the front office to deliver better results after a disappointing year.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball