FEBRUARY 18: The Highsmith signing is official, relays Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic (Twitter link).
FEBRUARY 14: The Suns are signing free agent forward Haywood Highsmith to a multiyear contract, agent Jerry Dianis tells Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
According to Charania, “multiple playoff teams” were pursuing Highsmith before he decided to join Phoenix. The Lakers and Sixers were linked to Highsmith over the past week.
A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Highsmith has yet to play a game this season after he underwent surgery to address a torn meniscus in his right knee in August and experienced a setback in his rehab in October. However, Dianis recently told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype his client is healthy and had been targeting February 11 for his 2025/26 debut prior to being waived by the Nets.
A 6’5″ combo forward, Highsmith averaged 6.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 22.7 minutes per game across 140 appearances from 2023/24 and 2024/25. He spent four seasons with Miami, which traded him to Brooklyn in the offseason.
Highsmith is known as a strong, versatile defender and he has improved his outside shot over the years as well. The 29-year-old converted 38.8% of his three-point looks over the past two seasons.
John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 confirms the news and says the second year of Highsmith’s contract isn’t fully guaranteed (Twitter link).
The Suns had an opening on their 15-man standard roster, which means no corresponding move will be necessary to sign Highsmith.
This is a little strange since he hasn’t played at all.
What is strange about it? Kobe Bufkin signed a multi-year deal. The 2nd year is always a Team Option / Non-Guarantee so the team has flexibility to use the player in trades at the draft & in the off-season.
PJ Tucker got a similar deal at Age 40 after holding out an entire year. Extremely normal terms.
It’s strange since no one really knows what he’s capable of doing since he hasn’t played since last szn.. and a knee injury normally cuts down a player’s mobility even fully healed. So, I assumed a 10 day to see what’s in the tank, but with the 2nd year not guaranteed, it’s less of a gamble for sure.
Highsmith is a proven NBA player and surely had other suitors (and frankly should be insulted by a 10-day offer). He was not taking a 10-day. A simple workout would suffice. Did PJ Tucker take a 10-Day after sitting out the entire year at age 40?
10-days are for players who haven’t proven themselves, and for teams who want flexibility to move in a different direction (like IND early in the year, or WAS taking flyers on guys right now).
Sure, he may not have taken a 10 day deal but I think you’re overstating his career accomplishments… his career scoring avg is 5.4 ppg. He’s a fringe player more known for defense and as I said, coming off a knee injury which took longer to heal than expected, his lateral movement and overall mobility are likely to be diminished… and that’s why I was mildly surprised that someone signed him.
He’s been a rotation player on a playoff team the last three years. In what world is he taking a 10-day lol. He’s already giving them favorable terms with presumably team option / non-guarantee on the 2nd year.
If you’re measuring a 3&D 8th-10th man by their scoring average, there isn’t really anything I can say that is going to make you find religion. Do feel free to contrast Highsmith with the salaries and production of guys like Isaac Okoro, Nic Batum, Royce O’Neale, Caleb Martin, etc.
Mason Plumlee just signed a 10 day contract.
Mason Plumlee is not a rotation player on a playoff team.
Checking back in on Highsmith after his 5th game: A season high 16 points, 4-5 3PT, playing defense on Tatum/Brown
He has immediately stepped into a rotation role on a playoff team.
Highsmith was a solid rotation piece with the HEAT, has been in many meaningful, post-season games …… like what Philly beat-writer Keith Pompey said, whenever a HEAT rotation player is available, you take a good hard look or sign him up.
Unless your the Lakers
Gabe Vincent and Kendrick Nunn really boned us
Nunn is playing good right now
That’s Dunn Luke , Nunn is done !
I mean Nunn is having a good career overseas. Euro league MVP and has some championships now
Vincent is horrible
Nunn is not done Dunn !
Good to hear about Nunn !
@Luke – Injuries aside, Gabe was horrible for the LAKERS …… didn’t help that Lebron, Luka are alpha’s but ball-dominant, it wasn’t a great fit.
People forget what Nunn did that rookie year, Bubble series.
Same, that LAKERS fit just wasn’t ideal.
Goes to show how good Spo and the HEAT staff are, they define your role to a tee, put you in the right spots on both sides of the court.
Yup, Nunn was 2nd placer behind Zion in the ROY award during his rookie season with the HEAT …… Gabe was closing out games in deep playoff runs with the HEAT.
It’s the system, fit.