The NBA trade deadline of February 6th is about three weeks away, and Jimmy Butler has not yet been traded. However, on Wednesday, one Heat player who signed over the summer became available for a move: Haywood Highsmith. According to Shot Coverage via X, Haywood Highsmith will become eligible for a trade on Jan 15.
Heat Forward Haywood Highsmith is Now Trade Eligible
Miami “Not Moving” Highsmith
#Heat Forward Haywood Highsmith is now eligible to be traded. The team has no interest in moving him.
He’s averaging 7.1 points, 48.7 FG%, and 41.9 3P% on the season (All Career-Highs). Highsmith is currently on a two-year, $10.8 Million contract. @ShotCoverage pic.twitter.com/dt7cQqZTng
— Anthony A (@AnthonyA_NBA) January 15, 2025
As you may remember, on December 15, veterans Kevin Love and Alec Burks, along with more than 80 other players, were eligible for a trade. On that day, Thomas Bryant also became eligible.
On December 13, Bryant was moved to the Indiana Pacers, although the deal wasn’t completed until December 15. 18 players in all met this requirement on Wednesday, making them trade-eligible.
- If the player signed a new contract with their old team
- If the player received at least a 20% rise without agreeing to a minimum
- If the player was re-signed to the team using Bird or Early Bird Rights
Highsmith Is A Keeper
Highsmith, 28, signed a two-year, $10.8 million contract in July, receiving a 98 percent raise on his $1.9 million salary from 2023–2024. With 38 games, one may say that Highsmith is a steal due to his output and worth. The 6-foot-7 wing is shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from three-point range on 3.3 triple tries per game, averaging 7.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 25.6 minutes.
In addition to being one of the team’s most effective three-point shooters and having significant cutting value along the baseline, he routinely takes on the most difficult defensive responsibilities. Although his defense hasn’t always lived up to expectations, he has contributed significantly at the point of attack compared to other players on the team.
The Last Word
The fact that Highsmith is tradeable as of January 15 gives the Miami Heat’s season an intriguing twist. Highsmith is an underappreciated member of Miami’s roster. I wouldn’t bring up Highsmith in any trade talks if I were in Miami’s front office. Although they are essential to the chemistry of a successful team, players like him don’t always receive the recognition they deserve. The Heat’s culture, which is based on accountability and hard work, has benefited from his hustle and ability to play within his role.
A glue guy like Highsmith is essential for any contender, and his contributions are vital when the playoffs roll around. If dealt with, this could weaken their bench and create more injuries. This could happen unless the Heat trade for a decent package to bolster the roster. Nevertheless, the NBA is a business. Given that the squad is at a crossroads with Butler, Miami may take advantage of Highsmith’s trade eligibility. This is to ensure that the Heat bolster their roster before the February 8th trade deadline.
Miami should reconsider before letting go of a player who personifies their brand. In addition, dealing with Highsmith would have to make sense for the proper deal. As mentioned earlier, the Heat will not move Highsmith. However, any potential agreement with him going forward is now up for discussion. That said, we will be watching Butler’s return from his suspension.
