Terry Rozier Seeks to Lift Hornets No-Contact Ban as Free Agency Begins

Terry Rozier has asked U.S. District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall to lift a pre-trial condition barring contact with Charlotte Hornets staff. The restriction could block him from negotiating with NBA teams when free agency opens on June 30, effectively preventing his return.

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Rozier faces federal charges of wire fraud, money laundering and, in a superseding indictment, bribery and honest-services fraud linked to a March 2023 game. Prosecutors allege a $100,000 bribe, $70,000 received after a lost bet, and at least $200,000 in bets on unders tied to his performance. He is in arbitration with NBA and Miami Heat over a $26.6 million 2025-26 salary; the arbitrator first awarded the salary then deemed the Hornets no-contact condition a breach. Parties: Rozier, attorney Jim Trusty, Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, NBA, NBPA.

Terry Rozier Fights Back On Release Rules In Gambling CaseESPN

Key dates: March 2023 game; Oct 2023 arrest; Jan 2024 trade to Miami; Apr 10 2024 waived; May 29 2024 prosecutors drop Heat restriction; June 2 2024 keep Hornets restriction; Jun 10 2024 arraignment on bribery; Jun 30 2024 free agency; sentencing Feb 24 2027. $200k bets, $100k bribe promised, $70k received, $26.6m salary, 97-121-month prison request.

Terry Rozier Fights Back On Release Rules In Gambling Case

The Hornets no-contact condition creates uncertainty for NBA teams, limiting Rozier’s market value. The case also shows how an early exit can swing same-game parlay outcomes, prompting calls for tighter sportsbook monitoring and betting-integrity rules.

Terry Rozier Fights Back On Release Rules In Gambling Case

Jim Trusty says the Hornets restriction substantially diminishes Rozier’s free-agency prospects. Prosecutors agreed to lift the Heat restriction but oppose removing the Hornets condition. U.S. Attorney’s Office, NBA and NBPA declined comment; Judge Hall has not ruled.

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Trusty argues prosecutors are “stretching wire-fraud law too far” and that the charges aim to secure a conviction. He says the no-contact ban limits Rozier’s ability to sign with another NBA team, unfairly penalizing him.

Terry Rozier Fights Back On Release Rules In Gambling Case

Prosecutors removed the Heat contact ban but kept the Hornets restriction, creating an inconsistency. The arbitrator’s shift from awarding Rozier’s salary to deeming him in breach over the same condition adds another discrepancy. Neither NBA nor NBPA has issued comment, leaving the league’s stance unclear.

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• “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,” — Jim Trusty

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• “make something stick” — Jim Trusty

Terry Rozier Fights Back On Release Rules In Gambling Case

• “The issue is narrow but important: he cannot contact current or former Hornets employees, including coaches, players, medical staff, support staff and building staff.” — U.S. District Court

Terry Rozier Fights Back On Release Rules In Gambling Case

• “Attorney Jim Trusty says that restriction limits Rozier ability to sign with another NBA team.” — Jim Trusty

Terry Rozier Fights Back On Release Rules In Gambling Case

Judge Hall’s ruling will determine whether Rozier can engage with the Hornets during the free-agency window. The arbitration outcome and prosecutorial moves will follow the June 30 deadline, while sentencing remains set for February 24, 2027.

Terry Rozier Fights Back On Release Rules In Gambling Case