Warriors Lose Out on Haywood Highsmith Buyout

Phoenix Suns sign the versatile forward, leaving Golden State with fewer buyout options.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Golden State Warriors missed out on signing free agent forward Haywood Highsmith, who agreed to a multiyear deal with the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Highsmith was considered a potential buyout target for the Warriors, who were looking to add depth to their roster ahead of the playoffs. The 29-year-old has emerged as a useful two-way wing over the past couple of seasons, averaging 6.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game with the Miami Heat in 2024-25.

Why it matters

The Warriors have limited options in the buyout market, and Highsmith could have been a valuable addition as a gritty, two-way player. His signing with the Suns leaves the defending champions with fewer alternatives to bolster their roster for the postseason push.

The details

Highsmith, who has been sidelined this season due to a knee injury, was reportedly considering multiple playoff teams before reaching an agreement with the Suns. The Warriors had been linked to Highsmith as a potential buyout target, but the Suns were able to secure his services, further strengthening their roster as they push for a higher playoff seed.

  • On Saturday, February 15, 2026, Haywood Highsmith agreed to a multiyear deal with the Phoenix Suns.

The players

Haywood Highsmith

A 29-year-old forward who has emerged as a useful two-way player in the NBA, averaging 6.5 points and 3.4 rebounds per game with the Miami Heat in the 2024-25 season.

Golden State Warriors

The defending NBA champions, who were looking to add depth to their roster through the buyout market.

Phoenix Suns

The team that signed Haywood Highsmith to a multiyear deal, strengthening their roster as they push for a higher playoff seed.

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What they’re saying

“Free agent forward Haywood Highsmith has agreed to a multiyear deal with the Phoenix Suns,”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider (ESPN)

What’s next

The Warriors will now have to explore alternative buyout options to bolster their roster for the playoffs, as they have missed out on the opportunity to sign Haywood Highsmith.

The takeaway

This development highlights the competitive nature of the buyout market and the importance for teams like the Warriors to act quickly and decisively to secure the best available talent. The loss of Highsmith to the Suns leaves the defending champions with fewer options to strengthen their roster ahead of the postseason.