Terry Rozier's Attorney Seeks to Lift Contact Ban with Hornets as Free Agency Approaches

NEW YORK (AP) — The pursuit of his NBA career faces obstacles due to a court order that prevents Terry Rozier from communicating with the Charlotte Hornets, according to a motion filed by his attorney on Wednesday. Rozier is facing allegations of collaborating with associates to manipulate bets related to his performance during a game in March 2023 while he was with the Hornets. He has entered a not guilty plea to charges that include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

Recently, Rozier was hit with additional charges in a new indictment, which includes accusations of bribery in sports contests and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. He has consistently denied involvement in any gambling scheme and is actively seeking the dismissal of the case against him.

In the motion presented in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Rozier’s legal representative, Jim Trusty, requested that the judge lift the contact prohibition with the Hornets. Trusty emphasized the timing, stating, “With the NBA’s free agency process officially beginning June 30, maintaining the Hornets on the no-contact list would likely prevent him from having any opportunity to play in the NBA.” He warned that the current restrictions could hinder Rozier's prospects of being signed by another NBA team.

Rozier has not stepped onto the court since April 13, 2025, while playing for Miami. Earlier this year, an arbitrator ruled that the Heat must pay Rozier his $26.6 million salary for the 2025-26 season, although he was waived by the team in April. The 32-year-old has a decade of NBA experience, averaging 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.