REPORT: Miami Heat Nearly Traded Terry Rozier for Marcus Smart Before Wizards Buyout, Allowing Smart to Sign with Los Angeles Lakers.

In a fascinating twist that never came to fruition, the Miami Heat were reportedly deep in trade talks with the Washington Wizards involving veteran guard Marcus Smart, according to a report from Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. One proposed version of the deal would have sent Terry Rozier to Washington, with Smart heading to South Beach. Ultimately, however, the trade talks fell apart, and the Wizards chose to buy out Smart, paving the way for the former Defensive Player of the Year to join the Los Angeles Lakers.

Though the deal never materialized, it sent shockwaves through the NBA landscape, raising major questions about Miami’s backcourt direction, Washington’s long-term vision, and how close the Lakers came to missing out on a defensive gem.

Heat’s Pursuit of Smart: Why It Made Sense

The Miami Heat have long prided themselves on their grit, defensive toughness, and culture-first mentality. Marcus Smart, known league-wide for his relentless perimeter defense and locker room presence, seemed like a natural fit. After missing out on Damian Lillard and coming up short in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Miami has been actively exploring ways to toughen up its rotation.

Smart’s resume — which includes an NBA Finals appearance with Boston, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and a reputation as one of the league’s premier guard defenders — made him an ideal target. The Heat were hoping to add Smart’s leadership and experience next to Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, solidifying their starting five for another title run.

But there was a cost — Terry Rozier.

Rozier’s Role and Rising Value

Terry Rozier, acquired by Miami from Charlotte in January 2024, quickly became a scoring spark for the Heat. He averaged 19.1 points and 5.6 assists per game after joining the team and provided a much-needed offensive punch, especially with Tyler Herro in and out of the lineup. His ability to create off the dribble and score in bunches was a key piece of Miami’s mid-season surge.

However, Rozier’s fit with the Heat was never flawless. He’s more of a scoring guard than a traditional facilitator, and there were questions about his defensive focus — a quality Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra value highly. That opened the door for the Heat to consider flipping him for a more defensively oriented player like Smart.

Wizards Weigh Their Options

For the Washington Wizards, acquiring Rozier would have meant adding another experienced guard to pair with their young core. Though not the long-term face of the franchise, Rozier’s scoring and energy could have provided short-term boosts in competitiveness while younger players developed.

But Washington — currently rebuilding and focused on player development — ultimately decided against taking on Rozier’s multi-year contract. The Wizards viewed the potential trade as a temporary shuffle that didn’t align with their strategy of clearing cap space and acquiring assets. Instead of finalizing the deal, they chose to buy out Smart, allowing him to hit the open market.

Lakers Capitalize on Wizards’ Decision

Once Smart became a free agent, the Los Angeles Lakers moved quickly. In need of a veteran guard who could defend elite scorers and provide playoff experience, they signed Smart to a team-friendly deal. The addition was celebrated across Laker Nation as a major defensive upgrade — a move that may prove pivotal in the Western Conference arms race.

Smart joins a Lakers backcourt already featuring D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent, but his presence allows LeBron James and Anthony Davis to preserve energy on defense, knowing Smart can hound opposing guards for extended stretches.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka praised the move.

“We value players who bring edge, effort, and leadership,” Pelinka said. “Marcus Smart checks every box for us.”

The Trade That Wasn’t: Fallout and What It Means

For Miami, missing out on Smart is a disappointment, especially considering their culture alignment. However, keeping Rozier means they retain an explosive scorer capable of swinging games when hot. It also reflects Miami’s hesitancy to shake up their core too drastically.

Washington, meanwhile, remains committed to a full rebuild. Moving on from Smart, even without acquiring Rozier or another asset, helps clarify their direction: build around young pieces like Bilal Coulibaly and rookie Alex Sarr.

As for Smart, he might have landed in the perfect spot. While Miami could’ve used his talents, Los Angeles offers a bigger stage and a more immediate championship window. Reuniting with former Celtics rival LeBron James, in a strange NBA twist, might just reignite the Lakers’ title hopes.

Could the Deal Be Revisited?

Sources close to the situation indicate that while this specific version of the trade is dead, the Heat may still be active in seeking a Smart-type player. Their core is aging, and with limited cap flexibility, finding tradeable pieces like Rozier remains key to their future plans.

Additionally, the Wizards may explore moving other veterans in similar scenarios. Their recent moves — including parting with Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma — suggest they’re prioritizing financial flexibility over veteran contracts.

Jake Fischer reported that other teams had interest in Smart before he agreed to terms with the Lakers, but none pushed as hard as Miami did. It’s a classic NBA “what-if” moment — one that might come back into the spotlight if the Lakers make a deep playoff run or if Miami comes up short due to defensive lapses.

Smart’s Reaction

Marcus Smart has not publicly commented on the failed trade to Miami or the Heat’s interest, but he expressed excitement during his Lakers introductory press conference.

“This is a new chapter, and I’m ready for it,” Smart said. “Playing alongside guys like LeBron and AD, it’s a blessing.”

When asked whether other teams were in the mix, Smart simply smiled and said, “It all worked out the way it was supposed to.”

NBA trades often come down to timing, fit, and philosophy. For the Heat and Wizards, this one came close — but ultimately unraveled before it could change the course of the offseason.

Marcus Smart now wears purple and gold instead of red and black. Terry Rozier stays put in Miami, where he’ll continue to shoulder scoring duties. And the Wizards keep marching toward a future built on youth and patience.