Phoenix Suns waive Haywood Highsmith, opens roster spot

Highsmith, who had $1 million guaranteed on his $3 million salary for the 2026-27 season, joined the club last February on a multiyear deal after dealing with a significant knee injury. In seven games during the regular season, the forward averaged 5.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists.

The move now gives Phoenix an open roster spot and, perhaps more importantly, another chance to reshape the bottom of its roster.

Highsmith was never expected to be a major offensive contributor, but his skill set is exactly what clubs value: wings who can defend multiple positions, space the floor and play minutes alongside established stars.

The bigger question now is who Phoenix decides to bring in and how that player could fit into the team’s plans for the upcoming season.

The front office has the flexibility to add another veteran, pursue a different type of wing or simply keep the spot open for a future opportunity. Highsmith’s departure itself won’t change the Suns’ ceiling, but what Phoenix decides to do with the open roster spot could.