Heat ‘agree to acquire Hornets guard Terry Rozier for Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick’ as Miami swings major deal ahead of February 8 trade deadline amid three-game losing skid

The Miami Heat have made a significant move ahead of the February 8 deadline, acquiring speedy point guard Terry Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for veteran Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick.

The deal, which has been agreed upon in principal but has not been made official, was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

It’s a major move for Miami, which has been in need of energy in the backcourt with the 37-year-old Lowry finally showing signs of his age.

Wojnarowski is reporting that the first-round pick is heavily protected. 

Although the Heat are coming off an NBA Finals berth in 2023, the team is mired in sixth place at 24-19 after losing three straight.  

Now-former Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier is reportedly on his way to the Miami Heat

Lowry is on his way to Charlotte, but it remains to be seen if the 37-year-old will get a buyout

Lowry is averaging just 8.2 points and 4.0 assists in 28 minutes a game this season, whereas Rozier has averaged 23.2 points and 6.6 assists in 35.5 minutes a game.

Rozier is also shooting a career-best 45.9 percent from the field, while draining a solid 35.8 percent of his 3-point attempts.

There remains a chance that Lowry accepts a buyout in Charlotte, which is 10-31 and unlikely to reach the postseason, although Wojnarowski is reporting that the team will first try to find a way to move his $29.6 million salary through a separate trade. 

Lowry  could provide a solid bench option for a playoff-bound team looking to add veteran depth.