NBA Rumors: Haywood Highsmith, Heat in Contract Talks Before 2024 Free Agency

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVJune 26, 2024

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The Miami Heat have discussed a new contract with Haywood Highsmith ahead of the forward becoming an unrestricted free agent, according to the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang.

Chiang reported there’s mutual interest in striking a bargain, though Highsmith “is expected to receive interest from a chunk of the league in free agency.”

The 27-year-old averaged 6.1 points and 3.2 rebounds in 20.7 minutes per game and he shot 39.6 percent from beyond the arc across 66 appearances this past season. He’s another player development success story in Miami, having gone from Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga in 2020-21 to become a regular rotation piece for an NBA playoff qualifier.

Highsmith is both a three-and-D wing and a player who’s unlikely to command a significant price tag. Those two factors help to explain why he could have multiple suitors on the open market.

Thanks to the more restrictive collective bargaining agreement, contenders with high payrolls have to be even more financially prudent. Staying under the second apron of the luxury tax is imperative if you can avoid it.

Highsmith is the kind of free agent who fits into that kind of budget.

Unfortunately for those general managers who have him on their boards, it sounds as though Miami has the inside track.

“If the money is close, Haywood will stay in Miami,” his agent, Jerry Dianis, said to Chiang. “You combine his perseverance to get to the NBA with his toughness, character and work ethic, he personifies Heat culture.”

The Heat don’t have matching rights with Highsmith because he isn’t a restricted free agent, but they might possess something similar if returning to Miami is his first choice.