Top Wing on Free-Agent Market Signs with Warriors' Division Rival

Haywood Highsmith inks deal with Phoenix Suns, leaving Golden State with fewer options to bolster wing depth.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Golden State Warriors have a big need for a wing player, but now have one fewer option to choose from on the free-agent/buyout market. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that small forward Haywood Highsmith signed a multiyear deal with the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Highsmith was previously ranked as Golden State's top available target on the buyout/FA market after being released by the Nets on Feb. 5.

Why it matters

The Warriors are thin at the forward spots after the season-ending ACL tear suffered by star Jimmy Butler. Highsmith's signing with a division rival leaves Golden State with fewer options to bolster their wing depth as they look to make another deep playoff run.

The details

The Warriors have 14 players on standard contracts, meaning they have one open roster spot. As a team over the first apron, they can't sign a player who was making over $14.1 million before being bought out or released, ruling out several high-profile free agents.

  • Highsmith was released by the Nets on Feb. 5.
  • Highsmith signed a multiyear deal with the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.

The players

Haywood Highsmith

A small forward who was previously ranked as the Golden State Warriors' top available target on the buyout/free agent market.

Jimmy Butler

The Golden State Warriors' star forward who suffered a season-ending ACL tear, leaving the team thin at the forward spots.

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What they’re saying

“The Golden State Warriors have a big need for a wing, and now they have one fewer option to choose from on the free-agent/buyout market.”

— Shams Charania, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Warriors will need to explore other options to bolster their wing depth as they look to make another deep playoff run.

The takeaway

Highsmith's signing with the Suns leaves the Warriors with fewer options to address their need for wing depth, highlighting the challenges they face in building a roster capable of competing for another championship.