Before rejoining the Phoenix Suns on a new deal, Haywood Highsmith reportedly drew plenty of attention around the NBA.
NBA insider Michael Scotto revealed that both sides have ultimately reached a deal and share a mutual interest in running it back.
"Essentially, it ended up being about trying to save the Suns some luxury tax money. And for Haywood Highsmith, once I did put out that he got waived, obviously there were a bunch of teams that checked in on him because he's a 3-and-D guy that could help a lot of playoff-caliber teams," Scotto said on the PHNX Suns podcast.
"And given where the market is right now in free agency, it's certainly raised an eyebrow, but he goes back to Phoenix. And, you know, I would surmise that obviously, if you're Phoenix, you want to let the guy go unless you felt like you either wanted to make a roster change or if you were gonna bring him back on something that made more sense. So, both sides have enjoyed the fit so far."
Haywood Highsmith rejoins Phoenix Suns after being waived
Haywood Highsmith has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Phoenix Suns, one week after the franchise parted ways with him.
Highsmith originally joined Phoenix last February for the remainder of the 2025-26 season in a two-year deal. He spent time recovering before joining the Suns after undergoing surgery on a torn meniscus in his right knee in last year's offseason, where he experienced a setback in his rehab in October.
He appeared in just seven games in Phoenix, averaging 5.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in 13 minutes of action.
As one of the league's key 3-and-D role players, the Suns still view Highsmith as a vital contributor as they are set to enter the 2026-27 season.