The Phoenix Suns waived forwards Haywood Highsmith, Kennedy Chandler, and Phillip Wheeler on October 17, finalizing their roster ahead of the NBA's deadline. This move follows a preseason that concluded with a 116-119 loss to the Utah Jazz on October 16, a game in which Highsmith did not see the court.
Teams must set their opening-night rosters by 5 p.m. ET on October 19. The Suns now have a maximum of 15 players on standard contracts and three on two-way deals. Their focus shifts to the regular season, which begins for them on the road against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 21.
The most notable name on the waiver list is Haywood Highsmith. The Suns had initially waived the 6-foot-6 forward earlier in the summer before re-signing him to a one-year, $3 million deal in August. Highsmith joined Phoenix last season after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets, but he was still recovering from August 2025 knee surgery to repair a right meniscus tear. He played only seven games for the Suns in 2025-26, averaging 5.4 points and 1.9 rebounds.
Kennedy Chandler and Phillip Wheeler were both training camp invites. Their releases were expected as the team trimmed down from its preseason roster. Chandler, a guard, and Wheeler, a forward, were competing for the final spots but ultimately did not make the cut.
Highsmith entered training camp fully healthy for the first time with the Suns. "That was the goal, to be ready for training camp, the preseason," Highsmith said after a preseason road loss to the San Antonio Spurs on October 14. "Put in a lot of work."
His on-court production in exhibition games was limited. He averaged three points across four preseason appearances. The Suns' preseason schedule included a 123-103 loss in San Antonio on October 14, a 102-98 home win over the Spurs on October 10, a 124-117 loss in Chicago on October 7, and a 109-107 loss in Detroit on October 5. His absence in the final game against Utah signaled the likely direction of the team's decision.
With the roster now set, the Suns turn their full attention to the 2026-27 regular season opener. They will travel to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, October 21. The team will look to improve upon a preseason record that saw them go 1-4, with their sole win coming against San Antonio on October 10.
The decision to waive Highsmith, despite his renewed health, suggests the Suns' front office is prioritizing other options at the forward position. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full regular season schedule on our schedule page. The move creates necessary roster flexibility as the long NBA campaign gets underway.
