Terry Rozier Trade Grades

On Tuesday morning, the Miami Heat acquired guard Terry Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets for veteran Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick. Kyle Lowry, now playing for his fifth career team, is unlikely to remain with Charlotte as the Hornets are looking to trade him before the February 8th deadline. Terry Rozier, playing in his ninth NBA season, will help the Heat seek another deep postseason push alongside Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and Jamie Jacquez Jr.

Trade Details:

Miami Receives: G Terry Rozier

Charlotte Receives: G Kyle Lowry, 2027 first-round pick

Trade Grades:

Miami Heat: A

Bat your eyes Celtics and Sixers fans! The Heat just got scarier.

This trade was a no-brainer. Adding Rozier immediately raises the offensive ceiling for Miami. Currently, the Heat rank 25th in points per game and were in dire need of a scoring, lead guard. Rozier, averaging a career-high in points per game (23.2) on 46/36/84 shooting splits is an immediate upgrade over Kyle Lowry who is increasingly showing his age (8.2 PPG on 28 MPG).

Not only is this a terrific basketball fit for Miami, but also a good fit in the locker room as well. Rozier is a straight-up hustler and (like we saw in his Boston days) is ultra-competitive in the playoffs. There is no questioning that this is a home run addition for the Heat as Miami looks to take the Eastern crown once again.

Charlotte Hornets: C- (but almost a D+)

I’m trying to think of what crappy grade to give Charlotte. Yes, trading Rozier was an obvious move since he’s not a part of the team’s future blueprint. But given his incredible season, you would assume the Hornets would’ve bagged more for Rozier than just a first-round pick (which is probably going to be in the late 20’s). Unless Charlotte flips Lowry for a decent asset (I don’t even know who wants Lowry at this point), this grade remains crappy for the Hornets.

Acquiring Nikola Jovic in this deal would have massively changed my opinion on this deal for Charlotte.