The post-trade deadline buyout market just dealt the Golden State Warriors a tough blow. After whiffing on Cam Thomas (who landed with the Milwaukee Bucks), Haywood Highsmith emerged as one of the premier available wings—a gritty, two-way forward with playoff experience and solid shooting. But the Phoenix Suns swooped in and secured him, leaving the Dubs to scramble for alternatives.
Per ESPN’s Shams Charania (Feb. 14, 2026): “Free agent forward Haywood Highsmith has agreed to a multiyear deal with the Phoenix Suns,” confirmed by agent Jerry Dianis. Highsmith weighed offers from multiple playoff contenders before choosing Phoenix, a team at 32-23 entering the All-Star break—just 1.5 games out of the West’s No. 5 seed. The Suns add much-needed forward depth for their push with Durant, Booker, and Beal, prioritizing switchable defense and spacing in a competitive Western Conference.
Highsmith would’ve been a strong fit in Golden State. In his last full season (2024-25) with the Miami Heat, he averaged 6.5 points and 3.4 rebounds in 24.6 MPG, shooting 45.8% from the field and 38.2% from three—impressive efficiency for a role player. At 6’5″ and 29 years old, he’s a versatile defender who can guard wings/forwards, provide hustle, and space the floor—exactly what the Warriors need amid wing depth issues (post-Wiggins trade fallout and injury concerns). He could’ve slotted into Kerr’s rotation as a reliable two-way contributor for the playoff grind.
The caveat: Highsmith hasn’t played this season due to right knee meniscus surgery (August 2025), after being traded from Miami to Brooklyn and waived Feb. 5. But reports confirm he’s fully healthy, cleared for 5-on-5, and ready to contribute immediately. Suns took the calculated risk with a multiyear pact (likely two years, with the second partially guaranteed for flexibility).
For Warriors fans, this stings. Highsmith topped many buyout rankings for Golden State (SI, Sporting News, Heavy Sports), offering low-risk upside on the veteran minimum. Now, with the market thinning, options shift to remaining veterans: Lonzo Ball (playmaking guard, injury history), Chris Boucher (rebounding/shot-blocking forward), Eric Gordon (veteran shooter), Georges Niang (spacing big), or two-way talents like recent signee Pat Spencer. Golden State (around 29-26, middling offense) desperately needs perimeter defense and size—Highsmith checked those boxes perfectly.
Phoenix bolsters its roster for a West climb, while the Dubs—chasing another title run—must pivot quickly before the buyout window closes. The 15th spot remains open, but competition is fierce.
Warriors Nation: Regret the miss, or trust the front office to land a solid alternative? The break is over soon—playoff seeding and roster tweaks await. This buyout saga just got more intense!