By January 23, 2024 (updated)
Photo: Kurt Shackelford / CLTure
The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to trade Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat for a future first-round pick and Kyle Lowry. The Hornets will land Lowry and a 2027 protected first-round pick, which could move to an unprotected pick should it convey in 2028.
Rozier was dealt to the Hornets in 2019 in a sign-and-trade deal that sent Kemba Walker to the Boston Celtics. He’s been with the team for five seasons, and has been one of the leaders of the franchise during his tenure. Rozier leaves Charlotte with the fifth most points in Hornets history, totaling 5,974 points in 298 games, according to Stat Muse. He averaged 20 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals in a Charlotte Hornets uniform, and signed a four-year, $96 million contract extension in 2022.
The end of a very special era 👻@T_Rozzay3 pic.twitter.com/Kz2TvDhCMl
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 24, 2024
“I want to thank Terry for all his efforts since coming to Charlotte. On the court, he was a true professional and a great competitor who set a positive example for our young players, said Hornets General Manager Mitch Kupchak in a statement. “The acquisition of a future first-round pick provides us an asset as we look to build long-term sustainable success around our young core of talented players.”
The Hornets are trading Terry Rozier to the Heat for a 2027 first-round pick and Kyle Lowry, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/CjdhgtWBl5
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 23, 2024
This transaction comes with little surprise to Hornets fans, as Charlotte firmly plants its flag as sellers, rather than buyers as the February 8 trade deadline approaches. The Hornets currently sit in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, seven games back of Atlanta for the 10th (Play-In) spot.
Veteran guard and NBA Champion (2019 Toronto Raptors), Kyle Lowry will join the Hornets, but it remains unclear if he will finish the season in Charlotte. The Hornets will likely work on another deal to move Lowry’s expiring contract before the deadline.
The Hornets seem intent on building around their young nucleus of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams, looking for prospects and draft compensation that match the timeline of their most promising players. The trade will also open up more minutes for rookie guard Nick Smith Jr.
The Hornets aren’t done dealing yet and plan to continue accumulating future assets ahead of the February 8th trade deadline, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 23, 2024
This trade could be the first of many moves likely to happen before the deadline, as Gordon Hayward, PJ Washington, Nick Richards, and Cody Martin are desirable assets for contending teams around the NBA.
The Hornets will become a team that can take on contracts for draft assets with their cap space too. With so many franchises facing second apron implications, there will be no shortage of teams needing to incentivize deals with draft picks to get off money. https://t.co/yYZdpBpJks
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 23, 2024
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