Heat acquire Rozier for Lowry, 2027 1st-rounder
The Charlotte Hornets traded starting guard Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat for Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick, the team announced Tuesday.
The pick is lottery protected in 2027 and becomes unprotected in 2028 if it conveys.
Rozier is enjoying his best scoring season since entering the league in 2015, averaging 23.2 points per game on 45.9% shooting from the field. He's also adding a career-best 6.6 assists per contest.
Since being dealt to the Hornets in 2019 following four seasons as a reserve for the Boston Celtics, Rozier averaged 20 points per game in 298 starts for Charlotte. The 29-year-old carved out a role in the team's lineup as an aggressive scorer with playmaking chops.
Rozier brings a needed boost of offense to a Heat squad occupying the No. 6 slot in the Eastern Conference with a 24-19 record. Miami ranks fifth-last in points per game, and Rozier's points and assists averages slot in as the team's best.
Lowry has continued his decline in his 18th NBA season, averaging 8.2 points and four assists per game, both his lowest marks since the 2008-09 campaign.
With Lowry on an expiring $29.7-million deal, the rebuilding Hornets don't plan to seek an immediate buyout for the 37-year-old and will instead work to trade him ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
After moving their leading scorer, the Hornets aren't done making deals and are seeking more future assets, Wojnarowski reports.