The Phoenix Suns are signing forward Haywood Highsmith to a multi-year deal, ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania reports. With Jamaree Bouyea’s contract expected to be converted from a two-way to a standard deal, Highsmith’s signing signals that Cole Anthony, who was acquired last week from the Milwaukee Bucks, is not expected to stay on the team.
Highsmith, 29, spent the last four seasons with the Miami Heat before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets this past offseason, but never played for them as he was recovering from a torn meniscus. According to reports, he’s healthy and was slated to make his season debut before being waived last week. Charania reported that he “considered multiple playoff teams,” before he signed with Phoenix, who sit seventh in the West, and 2 games out of the fourth seed.
During his time with Miami, Highsmith played in 35 playoff games and was a consistent contributor during their miraculous run to the NBA Finals in the 2022-23 season. Having shot 38% or better the last two seasons, looks to be a solid fit in Head Coach Jordan Ott’s three-point reliant system.
After acquiring Amir Coffey last week and now adding Highsmith, the Suns have made a concerted effort to beef up their forward spots as they look to make a playoff run.