Skip to main content

Terry Rozier Trade: What The NBA Experts Are Saying

National media pundits chime in on the newest Miami Heat acquisition

Terry Rozier in, Kyle Lowry out.

In one of the most notable trades of the NBA season, the former Charlotte Hornet is on his way to Miami. This instant and significant upgrade at point guard for the Heat has put the league on notice.

Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s "First Take”: "Terry Rozier can play, and he has the personality that fits right in with the toughness of the Jimmy Butlers, the Bam Adebayos of the world. I love this move for the Miami Heat… Look out, Miami obviously could be a threat.”

Bill Simmons, founder of The Ringer and longtime Celtics fan/Heat hater, on Twitter: "I’ve been terrified of Miami the most this whole time — not Philly, not Milwaukee, just Miami. They were always Barzini this year with the Lowry [contract] expiring, plus picks. Rozier is an absolute home run for them.”

Zach Harper, NBA writer, The Athletic: "The Heat have been missing the presence Gabe Vincent gave them last year. Swapping Lowry for Rozier doesn’t help any depth in the backcourt, but it gives them someone defenses might fear again. Lowry hasn’t been that for a couple years.”

Tim Legler, on the "All NBA Podcast”: "This is a massive acquisition for the Miami Heat. To have another guy now at this level as a scorer and a ball handler, it alleviates a lot of pressure off Tyler Herro, who’s having a great year. But when he is able to run a little bit more off the ball, and set himself up, put the ball more in Terry Rozier’s hands, that is just a major major acquisition for Miami. … This now, for me, elevates Miami. … I think they're in the discussion now as a title contender.”

Kendrick Perkins on ESPN’s "First Take”: "I actually love this trade for the Miami Heat. You know why? We talk about that Heat culture — Terry Rozier hasn’t played with a team like the Miami Heat since he left the Celtics. Now all of a sudden you get a coach like Erik Spoelstra, that's gonna hold you accountable, you can’t shortcut that system.”

Nick Crandell is a staff contributor at Inside the Heat.

He can be reached at nick.crandell33@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @nickcrandell

Follow all of our Miami Heat coverage on Facebook HERE

Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE