On Tuesday, the Miami Heat pulled off a significant trade when they dealt veteran guard Kyle Lowry and a protected 2027 first-round draft pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Terry Rozier.
Rozier should instantly help the offensively-challenged Heat, especially come playoff time when teams really focus on defense and winning comes down to star players making big plays.
For the rebuilding Hornets, Lowry may not ever suit up for them, as Steve Reed reports that executive Mitch Kupchak will look to flip him, or perhaps just buy-out his contract.
Just got off Zoom call with GM Mitch Kupchak. Doesn’t sound like Kyle Lowry will be playing for the Hornets anytime soon (before the trade deadline). Hornets will weigh options which include a potential trade. Buyout also an option there.
— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) January 23, 2024
Lowry, who will turn 38 years of age in March, is averaging just 8.2 points and 4.0 assists a game while shooting 42.6 percent from the field this season, and it’s clear that he’s past his expiration date.
He played a key role in the Toronto Raptors winning the NBA championship in 2019, and when he was traded to the Heat in 2021, the Heat thought they had gotten the final piece to their puzzle.
At 10-31, Charlotte has the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference, and they’re looking to build around star guard LaMelo Ball.
Meanwhile, the Heat are the defending Eastern Conference champions, but they’re only in sixth place in the East right now with a 24-19 record, and as usual, people are counting them out.
Offense has always been their problem — they’re 20th in offensive rating and 26th in points per game this season, and last season, they were the lowest-scoring team in the NBA.
Rozier, who is averaging 23.2 points and 6.6 assists a game, both of which are career highs, should rectify that problem to at least some extent.
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