Suns sign former Heat F Haywood Highsmith to multiyear deal
The Phoenix Suns have officially agreed to a deal with former Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith.
Watch: Did the Phoenix Suns’ press conference change any perspective on Miles Bridges? | 8 mins
The Phoenix Suns have officially agreed to a deal with former Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith, the team announced Wednesday.
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the news and added it was a multiyear deal.
Highsmith considered joining multiple other playoff teams before agreeing to join the Suns, per Charania.
The deal is a two-year veteran minimum contract, Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported. Gambadoro added that the second year of the deal is not fully guaranteed.
Highsmith spent four seasons in Miami (2021-25), averaging 5.5 points over 213 games. He shot 38.8% on three 3-point attempts per game over the latter two seasons.
He was traded from Miami to the Brooklyn Nets in August, one week after he had surgery to repair a meniscus tear. Brooklyn announced in October he would remain sidelined after suffering a setback in his recovery.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound forward was slated for a Dec. 14 reevaluation date. He was waived on Feb. 5, having not played a game this season.
Depending on the status of Highsmith’s knee, his addition adds depth to Phoenix’s group of forwards and reinforces the gritty culture that has developed under head coach Jordan Ott.
He is the next midseason addition the Suns have made after trading for Amir Coffey at the trade deadline. Cole Anthony was part of the return in the deal but has not yet joined the team.
The addition of Highsmith puts Phoenix at 15 standard contract players, including Anthony, along with the three two-way slots filled.
Related
Vinny's View: Health will define the Suns' success or failure after this All-Star break
Suns F Dillon Brooks suspended 1 game after racking up 16th technical
NFL OL Andrus Peat, brother of Koa, announces retirement
Suns reveal 2026 preseason schedule
Has LeBron James set himself up to pass Michael Jordan with move to 76ers? Has he already?
Suns’ new starting lineup will run into immediate problems
Comments
56 Comments
Well after reading a few more articles it would appear that Phoenix might have ended-up with the consolation sign with Haywood Highsmith. It would appear Phoenix wanted to sign Jeremy Sochan after the Spurs bought him out. The Knicks tried to make a deal for Sochan at the trade deadline but the Spurs didn't like what they offered. Spurs Mitch Johnson likes Sochan and wanted to keep him but Sochan asked for the buyout.
I'm guessing that since the Knicks tried trading for Sochan, they were his first choice. The Knicks were also interested in Haywood Highsmith. I'm guessing once again they preferred the healthy 22 year-old former 9th overall pick's upside. Sochan is also three inches taller than Highsmith.
A secondary consolation is that Phoenix prevented Highsmith from signing with the Lakers and Wolves. Wolves wanted a replacement for Nickeil Alexander-Walker. So from a strategic perspective, I understand the signing even though I and a few others wanted a bigger, banger inside. Apparently Sums have been interested in Highsmith dating back to last season.
So it would appear Jordan Ott is going all-in on a small-ball approach with several "dogs" on the wings that will relentlessly hound the opposing teams from baseline to baseline defensively. Offensively they will shamelessly rain threes.
Well, since we have no other choice at this time, lets go SUNS!
I know it is simple but I needed you to say it first.
"What you just described is how every NBA team typically starts their initial offensive action today."
Now where are my upvotes?
It is 2004-05 again. Ott borrowing the math from Mike D'Antoni. Also fielding the same undersized roster.