Heat deal Hornets guard Terry Rozier for Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick as Miami makes major move ahead of February 8 trade deadline amid three-game losing skid

The Miami Heat have taken a major step forward before the Feb. 8 deadline, acquiring speedy point guard Terry Rozier from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for veteran Kyle Lowry and a 2027 first-round pick.

“I want to thank Terry for all his efforts since coming to Charlotte,” Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak said in a statement. “On the field he was a true professional and a great competitor who set a positive example for our young players. He also made himself an important part of the Charlotte community with his dedication to giving back. We wish him all the best for the future.’

“The acquisition of a future first-round pick provides us with an asset as we build long-term, sustainable success around our young core of talented players. We believe the addition of this future pick and the additional financial flexibility of this transaction will be beneficial as we continue to build our team going forward.”

It’s an important move for Miami, which needs energy in the backcourt as the 37-year-old Lowry finally shows signs of his age.

According to ESPN, the first-round pick is heavily protected.

Although the Heat are coming off an NBA Finals berth in 2023, the team is stuck in sixth place at 24-19 after three straight losses.

Lowry is averaging just 8.2 points and 4.0 assists in 28 minutes per game this season, while Rozier is averaging 23.2 points and 6.6 assists in 35.5 minutes per game.

Rozier is also shooting a career-best 45.9 percent while draining a solid 35.8 percent of his three-point attempts.

There remains a chance Lowry accepts a buyout in Charlotte, which is 10-31 and unlikely to make the postseason, although Wojnarowski reports the team will first try to find a way to pay his $29 salary .6 million via a separate transaction.

Lowry could provide a solid bench option for a playoff-bound team looking for veteran depth.