The Phoenix Suns agreed to a multiyear deal with former Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith, ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported.
He considered joining multiple other playoff teams before agreeing to join the Suns, Charania added.
Highsmith spent four seasons in Miami (2021-25), averaging 5.5 points over 213 games. He shot 38.8% on three 3-point attempts per game over the latter two seasons.
He was traded from Miami to the Brooklyn Nets in August, one week after he had surgery to repair a meniscus tear. Brooklyn announced in October he would remain sidelined after suffering a setback in his recovery.
The 6-foot-5, 220-pound forward was slated for a Dec. 14 reevaluation date. He was waived on Feb. 5, having not played a game this season.
Depending on the status of Highsmith’s knee, his addition adds depth to Phoenix’s group of forwards and reinforces the gritty culture that has developed under head coach Jordan Ott.
He is the next midseason addition the Suns have made after trading for Amir Coffey at the trade deadline. Cole Anthony was part of the return in the deal but has not yet joined the team.
The addition of Highsmith puts Phoenix at 15 standard contract players, including Anthony, along with the three two-way slots filled.