The Golden State Warriors have one roster spot left to fill after converting Pat Spencer from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal over the weekend. With the trade deadline now behind us and the buyout market thinning out, the team is weighing its options-and one name that keeps surfacing is Haywood Highsmith.
Highsmith, a 29-year-old forward with playoff-tested experience, was recently waived by the Brooklyn Nets after never suiting up for the team due to meniscus surgery. He had arrived in Brooklyn via an offseason trade from the Miami Heat but never hit the floor before being let go. Now, he's a free agent-and a potential plug-and-play option for a Warriors team suddenly thin at forward.
Golden State’s depth at the wing has taken a hit. Jimmy Butler is out for the season with a knee injury, and Jonathan Kuminga was just dealt in the trade that brought 7'2" Kristaps Porzingis to the Bay. That leaves the Warriors in need of a reliable, two-way presence on the wing-and that’s exactly the profile Highsmith brings.
Highsmith carved out a meaningful role with the Heat last season, averaging 25 minutes per game while putting up 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and just under a steal per contest. He shot an efficient 45.8% from the field and 38.2% from deep-numbers that fit right into the Warriors’ spacing-heavy offensive system.
For his career, he’s a 37.4% shooter from three, with a career-best 39.6% clip just two seasons ago. That kind of consistency from beyond the arc, paired with his defensive versatility, makes him a classic three-and-D rotation piece.
Of course, the big question is health. Highsmith hasn’t played since undergoing surgery, and the Warriors need someone who can contribute now-not in a few weeks.
That’s always the gamble with late-season additions. Players are usually available for a reason, and in many cases, it’s injury-related.
Golden State has also been linked to Lonzo Ball, who was waived by the Utah Jazz. But Ball’s medical situation is even murkier. Despite some weekend buzz connecting the Warriors to the former No. 2 overall pick, NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Monday that the team may be backing off that pursuit, especially after locking in Spencer to a standard deal.
That potentially clears the lane for a player like Highsmith. While his past chemistry with Jimmy Butler won’t be a factor with Butler sidelined, his playoff pedigree and ability to defend multiple positions could be exactly what the Warriors need down the stretch. If he’s healthy-and that’s a big “if”-Highsmith could be a low-risk, high-reward pickup for a team still looking to solidify its rotation ahead of the postseason push.