The Phoenix Suns have made an unexpected roster move, waiving forward Haywood Highsmith, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto on X.
"The Phoenix Suns have waived Haywood Highsmith, league sources told @hoopshype. He was partially guaranteed $1 million of his $3 million salary for the 2026-27 season. The 3-and-D forward has averaged 5.4 points on 38% 3-point shooting and 3.1 rebounds in six NBA seasons."
The timing stands out because Phoenix had largely already settled its roster for the 2026-27 season, and training camp is only a little more than a month away.
Highsmith was never expected to be a major piece in the Suns’ rotation. He appeared in just seven games for Phoenix last season, logging 13 minutes per game, and then showed up in only two postseason contests, where he averaged 5.5 minutes.
Phoenix added Highsmith after the trade deadline as a buyout pickup, but he was still working back from a knee injury at the time. He didn’t make his Suns debut until March 8.
During the season, Highsmith said he was looking forward to finally having a healthy offseason.
“This offseason is big for me as far as trying to get all the way back to the player I was when I was in Miami and the player I envision myself to be,” Highsmith said earlier during the regular season. (h/t The Arizona Republic).
“Get stronger, get in better shape. I’ll have a real offseason. Didn’t really have a real offseason coming into the season because I got hurt in August.”
Now the Suns’ decision opens up two clear possibilities: they could be clearing the way for younger forwards like Rasheer Fleming and Koa Peat to get more run, or they may already have another move in mind for the roster spot.
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