The Phoenix Suns have quietly put together a resilient first half of the 2025-26 season. Despite dealing with a string of injuries, they’re sitting just two games out of the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference-right in the thick of the playoff chase. And now, they’re adding some depth to the rotation as the postseason push heats up.
On Saturday, the Suns made a move on the buyout market, signing former Miami Heat guard Haywood Highsmith to a multi-year deal. It’s a savvy pickup for a team that’s looking to shore up its wing depth and add some defensive versatility heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Highsmith, who spent the last four seasons with the Heat, brings a rugged, defensive-minded presence to Phoenix. He was briefly with the Brooklyn Nets earlier this year but never suited up after undergoing knee surgery. The Nets waived him before he had a chance to make his debut, and now the Suns are betting on his recovery timeline aligning with their playoff ambitions.
The 6-foot-7 forward had targeted mid-February for his return, and that timeline appears to be holding. If he’s ready to go, he could offer the Suns a steady, switchable defender on the wing-something every contender needs when rotations tighten in April and beyond.
Over parts of five NBA seasons, Highsmith has averaged 5.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but that’s not what Phoenix is looking for.
His value comes on the defensive end, where he’s carved out a reputation as a gritty, reliable stopper. Last season, he posted a career-high 0.9 steals per game, a number that reflects his active hands and awareness in passing lanes.
Don’t expect Highsmith to crack the starting five right away-this move is about depth and flexibility. He gives Phoenix another option off the bench, particularly in matchups that demand perimeter defense and hustle plays. If he can knock down open shots and stay engaged defensively, he could carve out a meaningful role.
There’s also a chance the Suns ease him back into action with a G League assignment to help him regain game rhythm and conditioning. That wouldn’t be a setback-it’s just smart roster management for a team that knows what it’s playing for.
Phoenix returns from the All-Star break on February 19 against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. That’s when the sprint to the playoffs really begins. And with Highsmith now in the fold, the Suns have one more card to play as they look to climb the standings and make some noise in the West.