The Brooklyn Nets have requested waivers on Haywood Highsmith, the team announced Thursday. The move comes after the Nets acquired Ochai Agbaji and a 2032 second-round pick from the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Waiving Highsmith brings Brooklyn's roster down to 15 players.
Highsmith joined the Nets alongside a second-round pick this summer in a salary dump move by the Miami Heat. However, the veteran never appeared in a game for Brooklyn after suffering a setback during his recovery from offseason meniscus surgery.
Once he clears waivers, Highsmith will hit the free agent market. If healthy, he could generate interest from numerous contenders.
Could Haywood Highsmith help a contender after being waived by Nets?
Highsmith could be a valuable addition to a contender's bench as a capable defender and three-point shooter with playoff experience. He made 194 appearances with 79 starts over his last three seasons with the Heat, averaging 5.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 37.8 percent from three.
Most notably, the 28-year-old has played in 35 playoff games, including 18 appearances during Miami's 2023 finals run. He shot 40.4 percent from three during the postseason with the Heat.
Highsmith's health for the rest of the season will be the top question surrounding his free agent market. After undergoing meniscus surgery in August, the forward suffered a setback during his recovery in October. However, Highsmith is playing 5-on-5 and was set to make his season debut on Feb. 11 before the Nets let him go, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.
March 1st is the last day free agents can sign with a team and be eligible for the playoffs.
