The Phoenix Suns reportedly missed out on filling their final roster spot with one of the best defensive players in free agency.
Haywood Highsmith decided to return to the Miami Heat today on a two-year, $11 million deal, per multiple reports. The Suns were one of the teams targeting him in free agency, according to The Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson.
Jackson posted on X:
“Bucks and Suns offered minimum deals. Damian Lillard called Haywood to lobby him. Heat ended up being fortunate that he didn’t have a higher offer elsewhere while the Heat remained non-committal with him. Worked out for the best; Heat needs his perimeter defense. 14 roster spots full.”
Bucks and Suns offered minimum deals. Damian Lillard called Haywood to lobby him. Heat ended up being fortunate that he didn't have a higher offer elsewhere while the Heat remained non-committal with him. Worked out for the best; Heat needs his perimeter defense. 14 roster spots… https://t.co/aF0BMIgwSV
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 8, 2024
The Suns are operating over the second-tax apron, so they can’t offer an incoming free agent anything more than a veteran-minimum contract. Therefore, Miami’s offer was much better than what Phoenix could have given him.
Highsmith, 27, averaged 6.1 points, including 40% shooting from 3, and 3.2 rebounds in a career-high 20.7 minutes per game last season. He has played the last three seasons with the Heat after playing in the G League and overseas for two years.
There have been several reports that the Suns are still negotiating on a potential Josh Okogie re-signing to fill this last roster spot. Kyle Lowry has also been named as a potential target.
Phoenix has only added two incoming players on standard contracts: Monte Morris (previously with the Minnesota Timberwolves) and Mason Plumlee (previously with the Los Angeles Clippers).
Discussion about this post