Miami Heat traded Haywood Highsmith to the Brooklyn Nets, attaching a 2032 second-round draft pick to alleviate his $5.6 million salary. Highsmith had become a reliable player in the rotation but the Heat aimed to avoid luxury tax penalties. The team now has 13 standard deals and needs to fill at least one more roster spot. Among potential veteran additions are Alec Burks, who had a strong season last year, and Dru Smith, who is recovering from injuries but expected to return.
Highsmith earned his way into being a staple of coach Erik Spoelstra's rotation and was set on having a crucial bench role once again in the 2025-26 season.
Miami avoided the repeated tax penalty by offloading Highsmith, while also opening another roster spot.
Alec Burks led Miami in 3-point efficiency as one of the best floor spreaders, bringing solid defense on the perimeter and had a high IQ.
Dru Smith has been rehabbing in Miami and is expected to make a full recovery after coming off his second consecutive season-ending injury.
Collection
[
|
...
]