The Milwaukee Bucks have already made one savvy move by picking up Cam Thomas off waivers, but there’s another name out there that could help patch a hole that’s been nagging them all season: Haywood Highsmith.
Highsmith was recently waived by Brooklyn as he continues to work his way back from knee surgery. And while he hasn’t suited up this season, there’s a strong case to be made that the Bucks should be first in line to bring him in. This isn't just about adding another body to the rotation-it’s about solving a very real issue at the small forward spot that’s lingered for months.
Let’s not forget, Milwaukee knows Highsmith well. Back when he was with Miami, he was a thorn in their side during those gritty playoff matchups.
His defensive versatility stood out, and the Bucks took notice. In fact, there were already efforts made to recruit him in the past-Damian Lillard himself reportedly tried to bring him aboard when he first arrived in Milwaukee.
That kind of player-to-player recruitment doesn’t happen unless there’s real belief in the fit.
And the fit makes a lot of sense.
Highsmith isn’t going to light up the scoreboard, but he brings the kind of 3-and-D skill set that championship rosters are built on. He defends multiple positions, knocks down corner threes at a solid clip-37.4% for his career-and doesn’t need the ball to make an impact.
That’s gold for a team like Milwaukee, which already has high-usage stars in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard. What they need is someone who can defend on the wing, space the floor, and stay within his role.
The numbers back it up. In his last fully healthy season with the Heat (2024-25), Highsmith ranked in the 62nd percentile in offensive rating and 55th percentile in defensive rating, per Cleaning the Glass.
And during his best defensive stretch, opponents scored 1.7 fewer points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor. That’s not just noise-that’s the kind of subtle but crucial impact that can swing playoff games.
Now, of course, there’s a reason he’s available. Highsmith hasn’t played yet this season and remains without a clear timetable due to ongoing knee management.
It’s fair to wonder what Brooklyn’s medical team saw that led them to move on. But for Milwaukee, the risk is minimal.
He’s on the buyout market, meaning they can sign him to a minimum deal without giving up any assets. That’s the definition of a low-risk, high-reward move-especially for a team with championship aspirations.
And here’s the kicker: the Bucks already tried to get him once. They just couldn’t offer enough at the time. Now, they’ve got a second chance to land a player they clearly value, and this time, the price is right.
If Milwaukee can clear a roster spot after adding Thomas, Highsmith should be next. It’s a move that checks every box: positional need, defensive upside, prior interest from the team, and a connection to Lillard. This is the kind of under-the-radar addition that smart front offices make to round out a title-contending roster.
The Bucks have been searching for answers at the wing all season. Highsmith might not be a flashy solution, but he’s a practical one-and he’s sitting right there for the taking.
The clock’s ticking. If Milwaukee wants to shore up its rotation and avoid watching another contender scoop up a player who fits their system like a glove, now’s the time to act.
Make the call.