The Miami Heat have a major offseason ahead of them this summer. In addition to possibly moving on from star Jimmy Butler, the Heat have numerous impending free agents. Currently, the Heat could have up to 10 free agents this summer. This includes Haywood Highsmith, who has spent the last three seasons with the team. Highsmith is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Highsmith “has a lot of interest from teams around the league.”
“I would say Haywood (Highsmith) has a lot of interest from teams around the league because of the prototype that he fits, which is a 3-and-D guy,” Michael Scotto of HoopsHype told Wes Goldberg and David Ramil of Locked On Heat Friday. “(He) shot 40 percent from 3, which is a high watermark for teams around the league. Defensively, you guys know in Miami, being ‘The Locksmith.’
“His wingspan at 7-foot-1 allows him to guard some of the best players in the league, whether it’s Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown–who they’ve gone up against a bunch–and even Jalen Brunson on the Knicks. He’s always guarding the top perimeter player. And in a league where there hasn’t been as much of an emphasis on defense, you need guys like that to win.”
During the 2023-24 season, Highsmith enjoyed the best season of his career up to this point. The forward appeared in 66 games, starting 26 of them. On the year, Highsmith averaged 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Furthermore, he shot 46.5% from the field and 39.6% from beyond the arc. All of these numbers are career-highs for the four-year NBA veteran.
Miami Heat Free Agent Expected to Draw Interest This Summer
Haywood Highsmith Wants to Remain With the Miami Heat
Although many teams will have interest in his services, Highsmith has made it clear he does not want to go anywhere. Recently, the 27-year-old said he would “love to stay in Miami” this summer.
“I’d love to stay in Miami for sure. I feel like I’ve built a great life out here. My daughter lives out here as well. If all things are close, I definitely would love to stay in Miami, but we’ll see when that time comes. I’ll still be the same person no matter how much I get paid or whatever happens. I’ll still be in the gym locked in and trying to win a championship.”
With Miami, Highsmith has developed into a great defender. Additionally, at 6’7″, Highsmith can play both forward positions, which he has for the Heat. His versatility and defensive ability have been valuable to the Heat’s system. Although he has mostly been a backup throughout his career, Highsmith has experience as a starter. If it is on the table, a reunion would make sense for both sides.
The Last Word on Haywood Highsmith
Whether it is with Miami or not, Highsmith is a solid backup forward who can help a contending team. Furthermore, coming off a career year, he may be able to earn a decent contract in the offseason. It will be interesting to see where the Maryland native ends up this summer.
