In a notable trade, the Miami Heat have strengthened their backcourt by acquiring guard Terry Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets. The trade, completed on Tuesday, involved the Heat sending veteran guard Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick to the Hornets.
Heat Receive Rozier, Send Lowry and Draft Pick to Hornets
- Miami Heat Receive:
- Terry Rozier
- Charlotte Hornets Receive:
- Kyle Lowry
- 2027 first-round pick
The 2027 first-round pick comes with lottery protection and will convert to an unprotected pick in 2028 if it does not convey.
Rozier’s Impact on Miami’s Backcourt
Miami addresses a pressing need for playmaking and scoring with the addition of Terry Rozier. Rozier, having a standout season, boasts career-high averages of 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. His shooting percentages are impressive, with 45.9% overall and 35.8% from beyond the arc this season.
Terry Rozier in Miami:
“This is home for me.”
“Y’all gonna see what all the hype about.”
— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) January 24, 2024
Lowry’s Transition and Offensive Struggles
Kyle Lowry, who joined the Heat in a sign-and-trade deal in 2021, heads to the Hornets as part of the trade. While a six-time All-Star and a 2019 NBA champion, Lowry has seen a decline in his performance, averaging 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game this season. His shooting percentages are at 42.6% overall and 38.5% from 3-point range.
Miami has faced offensive challenges this season, ranking low in points per game, 3-pointers made, offensive rating, and true shooting percentage. Rozier’s arrival is anticipated to provide a boost to the team’s scoring capabilities and alleviate playmaking duties from other key players.
Potential Impact on Miami’s Bench and Future Moves
With Rozier’s addition, the Heat’s bench, which has faced recent scoring issues, could see improvement. The move is expected to create more flexibility in playmaking roles for Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
As for Kyle Lowry, the Hornets do not plan to buy out his contract immediately. Instead, they may explore additional trade possibilities before the upcoming trade deadline on February 8.
The Charlotte Hornets, with a focus on their young core led by star guard LaMelo Ball and rookie Brandon Miller. They continue to make moves aimed at building for the future.
“T-Rozz, literally my brother, man. I wish the best for him. I know he in a good situation. I know he like where he going and what’s going on. So yeah, I’m happy for him.”
– LaMelo Ball on Terry Rozier pic.twitter.com/zxKfv6tSpM
— MeloHive 🛸💕 (@Meloleague) January 24, 2024
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