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Arbitrator Orders Heat to Pay Terry Rozier His $26.6 Million Salary

The decision enforces CBA rules requiring paid leave, preserving his cap figure for Miami ahead of Thursday's deadline.

Overview

  • An arbitrator ruled the NBA and Heat cannot withhold Terry Rozier’s 2025–26 pay, prompting release of checks previously placed in an interest‑bearing escrow account.
  • The decision turned on CBA language that restricts unpaid leave to domestic or child‑abuse cases, aligning with the NBPA’s due‑process stance.
  • Rozier remains on administrative leave and ineligible to play after pleading not guilty to wire‑fraud and money‑laundering conspiracies, with a March court date scheduled.
  • Miami continues to carry the $26.6 million on its books, giving the Heat an expiring contract that can be used for salary matching before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
  • Prosecutors allege he signaled an early exit from a March 2023 Hornets game that preceded wagers exceeding $200,000, and his motion to dismiss the case is pending.