The Phoenix Suns reportedly missed out on filling their final roster spot with one of the best defensive players in free agency.
According to numerous rumors, Haywood Highsmith made the decision to sign a two-year, $11 million contract to rejoin the Miami Heat today.
Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald claims that the Suns were one of the clubs that pursued him in free agency.
“Haywood was called by Damian Lillard to lobby the Bucks and Suns for minimum deals.
The Heat ended up being fortunate that Haywood did not have a higher offer elsewhere while the Heat remained non-committal with him. It worked out for the best; Heat needs his perimeter defense. 14 roster spots full,” Jackson wrote on X.
The Suns are limited to provide a veteran-minimum contract to an incoming free agent because they are operating over the second-tax apron. Miami’s offer, then, was far superior to anything Phoenix might have made him.
Highsmith, 27, played a career-high 20.7 minutes per game last season and averaged 6.1 points, including 40% from three-point range, and 3.2 rebounds. After spending two years playing in the G League and abroad, he has spent the last three seasons with the Heat.
The Suns are reportedly still in talks to re-sign Josh Okogie in order to take up this final roster space, according to a number of publications. Another player mentioned as a possible target is Kyle Lowry.
Only two players, Mason Plumlee (formerly of the Los Angeles Clippers) and Monte Morris (formerly of the Minnesota Timberwolves), have been added by Phoenix on standard contracts.
Get related news on
sportchannel.co.uk
Leave a Reply