Phoenix Suns Waive Forward Haywood Highsmith
The Phoenix Suns have officially parted ways with versatile forward Haywood Highsmith. According to the NBA's official transaction logs, the Suns waived the 29-year-old Highsmith on Wednesday. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that Highsmith had a partially guaranteed contract, set to earn $1 million of his $3 million salary for the 2026-27 season.
What Happened?
Highsmith signed with the Suns last February after getting waived by the Brooklyn Nets. He appeared in seven games, averaging 5.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assist. The Suns now have an open roster spot heading into next month's training camp, giving the franchise plenty of options, including another potential trade.
Why It Matters for Phoenix Suns
The Suns were quite active this summer to improve their roster. They signed multiple players to new contracts, including Dillon Brooks, Jordan Goodwin, Mark Williams, and Collin Gillespie. The Suns also acquired Miles Bridges from the Charlotte Hornets, trading away Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale. It seemed like the Suns addressed some of their problems last season, though some analysts didn't like that they had to trade a future first-round pick to the Hornets for Bridges.
What Comes Next?
The Suns now have an open roster spot heading into next month's training camp. It gives the franchise plenty of options, including another potential trade. The Suns will look to fill the void left by Highsmith's departure, potentially bringing in a new player to bolster their roster.
Last result: Phoenix Suns 122-131 Oklahoma City Thunder (2026-04-28). Recent form (last 5): 1W-0D-4L (LLLLW, most recent first); lost the last 4. The Suns will look to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.
Haywood Highsmith's NBA Career
After four seasons with Wheeling University, Haywood Highsmith went undrafted in 2018. Highsmith signed with the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League after a successful tryout. The Philadelphia 76ers came calling in January 2019, signing Highsmith to a two-way contract. He appeared in five games for the Sixers as a rookie, averaging 1.8 points and 1.0 rebound.
Highsmith didn't play in the NBA for the next two seasons, splitting time between the Blue Coats and Crailsheim Merlins in Germany. He signed multiple 10-day contracts with the Miami Heat during the 2021-22 season before signing a standard, three-year deal. In four seasons with the Heat, Highsmith averaged 5.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 213 games. The Brooklyn Nets acquired him last offseason, but he was unable to suit up for them due to a knee injury. The Nets waived him midway through last season, with the Phoenix Suns picking him in February.
