As the NBA Trade Deadline of February 7th vastly approaches, contending teams and playoff teams are looking to solidify their place in the postseason come April while holding onto as many assets as possible. The trade between the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets involves former Celtics G Terry Rozier going to South Beach in exchange for veteran PG Kyle Lowry and a protected 1st round pick for the 2027 NBA Draft.
The logic behind this deal makes sense for both times who are most certainly heading in two different directions. The Miami Heat have been a consistent contender for the last couple of seasons including an NBA Finals defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers during the bubble. Their offense has been incredibly stagnant, struggling to get above the century mark (100 ppg) in numerous games in the recent stretch of games. In the midst of a three game losing streak as well, they needed a revamp and some fresh blood.
Rozier won’t be the single answer for their offensive questions, however Terry Rozier will provide the jolt for the second unit and at least provide an option to score. However it appears the agenda of trading for Donovan Mitchell went to shit when Danny Ainge got hired in Utah, and now Pat Riley will need to find means for a second star this offseason. With Coach Spoelstra extended long term, they’ll definitely attract free agents and disgruntled secondary stars, but without trading Tyler Herro, they’re not getting anything, and that’s being nice.
The Hornets are free-fall, drafting Lamelo Ball and going to the playoffs was supposed to be the step in the right direction, but the Hornets have had distractions with the situations with PJ Washington, Miles Bridges, and on top of the injuries to Gordon Hayward (max contract signing), they were in definite no man’s land, reminds me of Orlando before the Pablo Banchero selection #1 before last year’s draft. The Hornets trading for Kyle Lowry will most certainly lead to another move jettisoning him elsewhere as he conflicts with their current direction. The New York Knicks have interest in bringing in the former Raptors All Star, as they could offer Evan Fournier and Quentin Grimes back to the Queen City. If the Hornets wish to go that direction, getting Grimes would be a decent move for the near short term as he could establish himself in the meantime.
There will definitely be some more deals of this nature going forward, names like Jesean Tate will likely be next, but most will be watching Hawks G Dejounte Murray as the Hawks will definitely want to revamp once again in their middling form. This deal likely won’t have any impact on what value Murray or others get moved for.
Miami Heat and Charlotte Hornets Agree to a Trade Centered Around Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets Trade Guard Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat for Kyle Lowry and a 2027 Protected 1st Round Pick