The Miami Heat are considering a significant roster change involving guard Terry Rozier ahead of the new NBA season. A proposed three-team trade would send Rozier away while bringing in a younger lead guard, signaling Miami’s intent to recalibrate its backcourt dynamics.
Details of the Three-Team Trade Proposal
According to Bleacher Report, the deal would involve the Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, and Boston Celtics exchanging several players, draft picks, and trade exceptions. In this arrangement, Miami would receive guards Anfernee Simons from the Celtics and rookie John Tonje from the Jazz, along with a trade exception. The Jazz would acquire Rozier, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and protected future draft picks from the Heat and Celtics. Meanwhile, the Celtics would gain center Walker Kessler from Utah and a trade exception.
To simplify, Miami’s part of the trade has them sending Rozier and Jaquez Jr., plus a protected 2029 first-round pick swap, to obtain Simons and Tonje. Simons, recently traded to Boston in another deal, is a younger guard expected to bring fresh energy to the Heat’s backcourt alongside Tyler Herro.
Why Miami Wants to Add Anfernee Simons
The Heat already acquired Norman Powell, a proven scorer, but Powell is in the final year of his contract and may not remain long-term. Anfernee Simons, at 26, offers a dynamic skill set as a lead ball-handler capable of playing with or without the ball. Coach Erik Spoelstra could start Simons alongside Herro and bring Powell off the bench, preserving his role as a sixth man.
Powell, 32, will help, but he’s in the last year of his contract and may not be a long-term fixture for the Heat,
—Bleacher Report article
Simons, 26, is younger and more capable as a lead ball-handling guard. Coach Erik Spoelstra can pair Herro with Simons, bringing Powell off the bench in a familiar sixth-man role. Along with prospective starting forward Andrew Wiggins, the rest of the rotation needs to support the backcourt defensively. Miami’s commitment to Simons can continue with an extension, or it can wait until he’s an unrestricted free agent in 2026. That’s the gamble, costing the team a pick swap and Jaquez. Simons, who can play with or without the ball, would give rookie Kasparas JakuÄionis time to develop as Miami’s No. 20 selection.
—Bleacher Report article
The Implications for Terry Rozier and Miami’s Roster
Part of the motivation behind pursuing Simons is to move on from Terry Rozier’s expiring $25 million cap hit, which still weighs on Miami’s salary table. Rozier’s contract could be exchanged for multiple starter-level players through this trade. Although losing Jaime Jaquez Jr. is not ideal, Miami offsets this by gaining Tonje, a recent Utah Jazz second-round draft pick. Tonje is seen as a developmental asset who could progress through the G-League system.
What This Move Means for Miami’s Upcoming Season
If completed, this trade would allow Miami to refresh its backcourt with younger, versatile guards, strengthening both scoring and ball-handling options. It also creates more flexibility under the salary cap and provides opportunities for promising players like Kasparas JakuÄionis to develop without immediate pressure. The Heat’s willingness to part with assets highlights their focus on maintaining a competitive edge while planning for the future sustainability of their roster.