The Haywood Highsmith trade from the Miami Heat to the Brooklyn Nets did not come together quickly,” Skolnick wrote Monday. “(The Miami Heat) wanted to create opportunities for younger players, with Highsmith not figuring into the regular rotation. So they looked for a deal for a while, and were open to moving him as part of the package for Norman Powell.
After acquiring Powell, the Heat still looked to move Highsmith. According to Five on the Floor sources, no team was offering a draft pick to the Heat. The Heat engaged with the Nets, who wanted a second-round selection to take Highsmith into their cap space; they are the only team in the NBA with enough to do so and not flinch.
Highsmith hurt his knee in an offseason workout, meaning he likely won’t be ready for training camp. That eliminated the chance for interest from a team other the Nets, since the Nets aren’t really concerned about winning this season. And then the Nets came back to the Heat and said they had other plans if the Heat didn’t take a deal now.