The Phoenix Suns have quickly reversed course on Haywood Highsmith, bringing the defensive-minded forward back only days after parting ways with him.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Phoenix is bringing Highsmith back after the 29-year-old briefly became a free agent.
The development comes less than a week after the Suns waived Highsmith, a move that initially appeared to end his short stay in Phoenix. At the time, Highsmith had been set to make approximately $3 million during the 2026-27 season, but only $1 million of his salary was guaranteed.
By waiving him, Phoenix created an open roster spot and avoided allowing the remainder of his previous contract to become guaranteed. Now, however, the Suns have decided they still want Highsmith in the organization.
Highsmith gets another chance in Phoenix
Highsmith originally joined the Suns in February after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets. ESPN reported at the time that several playoff teams had shown interest before he chose Phoenix.
His first stint with the Suns was limited by the right knee injury that had already kept him out for much of the season. Highsmith eventually appeared in seven regular-season games for Phoenix, averaging 5.4 points and 1.9 rebounds while shooting 57.1% from three-point range in a small sample.
Before arriving in Phoenix, Highsmith established himself primarily with the Miami Heat as a versatile 3-and-D forward. Over four seasons in Miami, he appeared in 213 games and became a useful defensive option capable of guarding multiple positions while providing spot-up shooting.
The Suns' decision to bring him back so soon after waiving him indicates that the initial move was not necessarily about moving on from Highsmith as a player. Instead, Phoenix has found a way to retain a defensive wing it valued while restructuring its roster late in the offseason.