Suns Sign Haywood Highsmith to Multiyear Deal

Highsmith's addition expected to boost Phoenix's two-way play, but his return from injury remains uncertain.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:41pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's movements broken down into overlapping planes of bright orange, blue, and green shapes.The Suns' signing of versatile forward Haywood Highsmith aims to add defensive intensity and two-way playmaking to their roster.Phoenix Today

The Phoenix Suns have signed free agent Haywood Highsmith to a multiyear contract, according to an ESPN report. Highsmith, a 29-year-old versatile player, was recently waived by the Brooklyn Nets during the trade deadline. The Suns are hoping Highsmith's tenacity and two-way skills can bolster their roster as they push for a higher playoff seed in the Western Conference, though his immediate impact may be limited as he continues to recover from a knee surgery over the summer.

Why it matters

The Suns are currently 32-23 and 1.5 games behind the 5th seed in the West, so adding a talented two-way player like Highsmith could help them solidify their position for the postseason. However, Highsmith's recovery timeline from his recent knee surgery will be a key factor in determining how quickly he can contribute.

The details

Haywood Highsmith, a 29-year-old forward, was waived by the Brooklyn Nets during the trade deadline after spending the first part of the season with the team. He then entered free agency and reportedly weighed offers from multiple playoff-contending teams before deciding to sign with the Suns on a multiyear deal. Highsmith is known for his defensive intensity and versatility, which should complement the Suns' up-tempo, two-way style of play.

  • Highsmith was waived by the Brooklyn Nets during the 2026 NBA trade deadline.
  • Highsmith underwent knee surgery over the summer, causing him to miss the start of the 2026-27 season.

The players

Haywood Highsmith

A 29-year-old free agent forward who was recently waived by the Brooklyn Nets and has now signed a multiyear deal with the Phoenix Suns.

Phoenix Suns

An NBA team currently sitting at 32-23 and 1.5 games behind the 5th seed in the Western Conference, looking to bolster their roster for a playoff push.

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What they’re saying

“Haywood is the type of player that can really help us on both ends of the floor. His versatility and two-way ability are a great fit for our system.”

— James Jones, Suns General Manager

What’s next

Highsmith will need to continue his recovery from knee surgery and work his way back into game shape before being able to contribute significantly for the Suns. The team will monitor his progress closely as they aim to secure a higher playoff seed in the West.

The takeaway

The Suns' signing of Haywood Highsmith represents an effort to bolster their two-way play and depth as they push for a better playoff position in the Western Conference. However, Highsmith's recovery timeline from a recent knee surgery will be a key factor in determining how quickly he can make an impact for his new team.