Haywood Highsmith reaches the end of the road with the Miami Heat
The Heat move to reduce its luxury tax burden, offloading Highsmith ahead of the new season, which tips off October 21.
NBA roster moves are heating up as teams gear up for the upcoming season, tipping off on October 21. With training camps approaching, franchises are making final tweaks to their lineups in hopes of gaining an edge on the hardwood.
The latest confirmed move: forward Haywood Highsmith is heading from the Miami Heat to the Brooklyn Nets. Miami is packaging Highsmith with a 2032 second-round draft pick in exchange for Brooklyn’s 2026 second-rounder — projected to fall anywhere between No. 31 and No. 55 overall.
Highsmith‘s numbers with the Heat
The 28-year-old spent the last four seasons with the Heat, appearing in 213 games — 80 of them as a starter. He averaged 5.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 37.5% from three-point range. Over time, he carved out a role as a reliable defender and a steady contributor in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation.
The trade comes at a challenging moment for Highsmith, who recently underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. The injury occurred during a workout in Baltimore, and he’s expected to miss 8 to 10 weeks.
Highsmith has entered the final year of a two-year, $10.8 million contract. His $5.6 million salary played a role in Miami’s decision, as the team looks to reduce its luxury tax burden. For Brooklyn, the move is a calculated bet on a versatile 3-and-D wing who could provide valuable depth once fully recovered.
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