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Suns Waive Haywood Highsmith And Open A Roster Spot

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 19: Haywood Highsmith #7 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round One Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 19, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

So you thought the Phoenix Suns were done for the offseason, did you? Well, surprise surprise. They’re not done making moves.

On Wednesday, the Suns waived Haywood Highsmith, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.

The Phoenix Suns have waived Haywood Highsmith, league sources told @hoopshype. He was partially guaranteed $1 million of his $3 million salary for the 2026-27 season. The 3-and-D forward has averaged 5.4 points on 38% 3-point shooting and 3.1 rebounds in six NBA seasons.

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 12, 2026

Phoenix acquired Highsmith last February after he signed with the team as a free agent following his release from the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the month. He appeared in seven games for the Suns, averaging 5.4 points in 91 total minutes. Highsmith had previously missed significant time after undergoing surgery for a right knee meniscal tear last August.

Highsmith was set to make $3 million next season, but the contract was not guaranteed. He would have earned the full amount if he had remained on the roster through January 10, 2027.

Waiving Highsmith opens up a roster spot for the Suns. We don’t yet know whether Phoenix already has somebody in mind, which prompted the move, or whether the organization simply values the flexibility that comes with keeping a spot open. It’s something the Suns have done before, leaving a roster spot available while waiting to identify the right player to eventually fill it.

Either way, Haywood Highsmith is no longer a member of the Phoenix Suns. The 29-year-old will now look for his fourth NBA team.