While the Miami Heat's offseason will be defined by giving a contract extension to Bam Adebayo, the situation surrounding Jimmy Butler, and possibly adding another star, there also lies a conversation surrounding Haywood Highsmith. As Highsmith becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, he could test the waters from other teams, but according to a report from Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, there is mutual interest to get a deal done with Miami.
“According to league sources, since NBA teams were allowed to begin negotiating with their own impending free agents on June 18, there have already been discussions between the Heat and Highsmith regarding a potential new contract,” Chiang wrote. “The Heat has interest in keeping Highsmith, and Highsmith has interest in returning to the Heat.”
The situation has seemingly always been that the Heat can not keep both Highsmith and Caleb Martin, who is also set to be a free agent this summer. Martin however seems likely to cost more money and follow in the footsteps of Max Strus and Gabe Vincent as an undrafted player performing well with Miami and getting a bigger contract elsewhere.
Highsmith talks wanting to stay with the Heat
As for Highsmith, while there is no doubt he will receive interest from other teams, he should cost cheaper and wants to stay with the Heat. The same sentiments were echoed during his exit interview for the season where he talked about how important it is that his “family lives here.”
“I definitely want to stay in Miami,” Highsmith said. “I love being here. My family lives here, my daughter lives here. So that’s a big priority for me, just to be around my daughter a lot. But I just got to figure it out and just take my time and understand it’s going to work itself out and everything happens for a reason.”
“Humbly, I’m grateful to be in a position like this. It doesn’t matter how much I make if it’s $10 or $15 million per year,” Highsmith said via an interview with HoopsHype. “I’ll push myself to be the hardest worker on the team, continue to get better, be a contributor by guarding the best player, knock down shots, do what it takes to win, stay in my role, and help win championships. I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing, and nothing’s going to change as far as whatever I get paid. I’ll still be a hard worker, get in the gym early, and put that extra work in to help the team win games and a championship.”
Highsmith's agent talks about free agency
Highsmith has been a defensive stalwart for Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and further solidified himself a part of the rotation as he has improved in his three-point game, shooting close to 40 percent last season. Even his agent Jerry Dianis said to The Miami Herald that if the “money is close,” it's likely the 27-year old stays with the Heat.
“If the money is close, Haywood will stay in Miami,” Dianis said. “You combine his perseverance to get to the NBA with his toughness, character and work ethic, he personifies Heat culture.”
The Heat are hoping to have Highsmith on a team that can improve after a 46-36 record which put them eighth in the Eastern Conference for the second straight season as they were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. First, Miami will focus on the NBA Draft that starts Wednesday.
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