Former Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has asked a judge to modify the conditions of his bond, arguing the current restrictions are hindering his ability to return to the NBA. Rozier, who was arrested by the FBI in October, faces federal charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and sports bribery as part of a wide-ranging illegal gambling ring.
As part of his bond agreement, Rozier has been ordered to have no contact with the Charlotte Hornets, the team he played for from 2019 to 2024. He was traded to the Heat in January 2024. A similar no-contact order regarding the Heat was later lifted by federal prosecutors.
The numbers are doing most of the announcement work here, which is usually how teams prefer it.
The timing creates a genuine problem: Rozier is due to become a free agent on June 30, and the current bond conditions would effectively block him from joining most NBA teams since playing against the Hornets would also violate the agreement.
Legal team's argument
"The conditions of his release are unfairly punitive," Rozier's attorney Jim Trusty wrote in a court filing obtained by The Athletic. "With forced inactivity, Mr. Rozier is facing a potential second season of non-participation despite being entitled to a presumption of innocence."
Trusty further argued that maintaining the Hornets on the no-contact list would likely prevent Rozier from any opportunity to play in the NBA. Under the arbitrator's ruling, an inability to play for or against the Charlotte franchise would substantially diminish or eliminate any chance of being signed.
Rozier, 32, has pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. He was placed on leave by the NBA following his October arrest.
Salary dispute outcome
An arbitrator initially ruled that the NBA could not withhold Rozier's $26.6 million salary for the 2025-26 season. However, after the league argued that Rozier's bond conditions—which prohibit contact with the Hornets and restrict travel—constituted a breach of contract, a second arbitration hearing was held earlier this year.
This time, the arbitrator ruled in the NBA's favor. As a result, Rozier will forfeit the majority of his salary from last season.
On the court, Rozier last played during the 2024-25 season with Miami. He averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists on 39.1% shooting.
Rozier is due back in court in Brooklyn, New York, on June 10.