Veteran Forward Chooses The Suns Over Several Offers From Playoff Bound Teams, What Does He Bring To Phoenix?

Haywood Highsmith has found a landing spot. Highsmith, who got bought out by the Brooklyn Nets on February 5, has signed with the Phoenix Suns, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.

“Free agent forward Haywood Highsmith has agreed to a multiyear deal with the Phoenix Suns, his agent Jerry Dianis tells ESPN,” Charania tweeted late this afternoon. “Highsmith considered multiple playoff teams before reaching an agreement with the Suns.”

The Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers are among the teams that Highsmith may have shown interest in, according to Haywood.

Veteran Forward Chooses The Suns Over Several Offers From Playoff Bound Teams, what Does He Bring To Phoenix?

Haywood has yet to appear in a game this season as he has been recuperating from meniscus surgery in August. However, the 29-year-old forward is now healthy and has been partaking in 5-on-5 drills before being released by the Nets.

Haywood is known as a gritty two-way forward who can make a huge impact despite not being much of an offensive threat. His value lies in his consistency and defensive versatility. He can guard all five positions on the switch and brings a physical presence.

Haywood has improved each year. Haywood averages 5.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists for his career. He also averages one three-pointer per game, shooting 44.9/37.4/60.5.

“Yes, Suns kind of player they value what he can bring to the team,” Suns Insider John Gambino tweeted. “Next year is not fully guaranteed. Suns wanted him, and if he plays well, they can have him for next year as well.”

With Haywood’s addition, Phoenix has 15 players on standard contracts, though they should still be under the tax line because Haywood is receiving the prorated veteran minimum. The Suns were $2.4 million below the tax line before inking Haywood.

However, Cole Anthony, whom the Suns acquired at the trade deadline along with Amir Coffey, has yet to report. It is possible that Anthony may not report and be bought out. The Suns also have all three of their two-way spots filled.

With Haywood holding a nonguaranteed pact for 2026-27, the Suns now have 10 players under contract. The Suns project to be well over the cap, though they are still around $18 million below the luxury tax line with four or five players to add. However, Mark Williams will be a restricted free agent.

How Does Haywood Highsmith Fit Withthe Suns and How Does His Addition Affect Jordan Ott’s Rotation?

Phoenix sits in seventh place in the Western Conference at 32-23. The Suns, who have lost six of their last 11, are just four victories short of tying their total from last season. The Suns rank 14th in offensive rating and 11th in defensive rating.

Highsmith is projected to be a major part of Jordan Ott’s rotation, averaging 18-22 minutes per game. Hughsmith figures to back up starter Royce O’Neale and likely play at small forward. He will likely take the Suns’ opponent’s best wing and forward. In addition, he will allow the Suns to play fast and be disruptive defensively.

Phoenix begins the second half of the season at San Antonio on February 19. The Suns then play four straight at home and seven of their first nine games overall.

The Suns should be close to 100% after the All-Star break, with Devin Booker and Jalen Green expected to be healthy. Ott will likely start Collin Gillespie, Dillon Brooks, Williams, Booker, and O’Neale against the Spurs. The Suns are 14-7 in games when those who gave have started this year.

Grayson Allen, who will be reevaluated after the All-Star break, will be the Suns’ sixth man when he is healthy. Coffey, Green, Highsmith, and Iso Ighodaro will likely round out the Suns’ second unit. Ryan Dunn should get some extended run until Allen can return.