Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier Wins Salary Dispute With The NBA
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier won his salary dispute with the NBA on Monday. The Rise and Fall of Terry Rozier has been highly public, but this was a big win for him. Here’s what you need to know about Rozier’s legal win with the league.
Terry Rozier Wins Salary Dispute with the NBA
Yahoo Sports posted on X, formerly Twitter, “An arbitrator on Monday ruled in favor of Heat guard Terry Rozier in a salary dispute with the NBA that arose after he was federally indicted in a gambling investigation, per ESPN.”
“Rozier’s salary, which had been held in escrow since December, will be released after the arbitrator found that under the terms of the CBA, players cannot be put on unpaid leave other than in cases of domestic abuse or child abuse.”
Yahoo Sports’ post on X drew ample attention from the NBA world. One user stated, “That should have taken all of 2 hours to resolve.” Another user responded, “Good for him!!! Now he should sue them for violating terms of agreement.”
Terry Rozier’s Outlook
Terry Rozier is still facing charges related to an alleged federal gambling probe, so he’s not out of the woods yet. However, Rozier’s recent legal win is a step in the right direction.
Rozier, 31, pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges of wire fraud and money laundering in December. His attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the case, citing government overreach. The government’s response is due on Monday.
His attorney Jim Trusty said in a statement,
“Terry won today under principles of contract law and the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and the players, but the bigger principle at issue is the presumption of innocence. Today’s arbitration ruling reminds the NBA that they can’t ignore that important concept just because it’s a high-profile case.”
The Miami Heat and the NBA previously agreed to put Rozier’s salary for the 2025-26 season in escrow after Rozier was arrested and indicted in October. Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was also arrested and indicted. Billups’ case is pending as Billups, 49, remains on unpaid leave by the NBA.
Next Steps For Rozier Potential Return To Heat
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) appealed the agreement to withhold Terry Rozier’s salary, which is approximately $26.6 million.
Rozier remains on the Miami Heat’s roster but hasn’t appeared this season. He averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, along with 39.1% shooting from the field, 29.5% from three-point range, and 85.2% from the free throw line, during the 2024-25 season.
