The Brooklyn Nets have officially waived Haywood Highsmith, following their recent acquisition of Ochai Agbaji and a future second-round pick from the Toronto Raptors. This decision, announced on Thursday, brings Brooklyn’s roster to the league limit of 15 players.
Highsmith was initially brought to the Nets in a salary cap maneuver from the Miami Heat during the summer. Unfortunately, he did not see any action on the court due to a setback in his recovery from offseason meniscus surgery.
Once he clears waivers, Highsmith will become a free agent. If he can demonstrate he is healthy, there could be significant interest from several contenders looking to bolster their rosters. Highsmith’s track record as a solid defender and three-point shooter, coupled with his playoff experience, makes him an attractive option. Over the last three seasons with Miami, he played in 194 games, earning 79 starts, averaging 5.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 37.8% from beyond the arc.
Notably, Highsmith played in 35 playoff games, including 18 during the Heat’s run to the NBA Finals in 2023, where he shot 40.4% from three in the postseason. However, concerns remain about his health after a recent setback in his recovery, which has delayed his return to contact drills.
As the clock ticks down to the March 1st deadline for free agents to sign with teams for playoff eligibility, teams will be watching Highsmith closely to assess his readiness for a potential late-season signing. With the right circumstances, he could provide a valuable addition to a team gearing up for a playoff push.