The Golden State Warriors‘ trade deadline was a splashy one — landing Kristaps Porzingis while parting with Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield — but the buyout market in March 2026 could quietly become the real game-changer for their second-half push and playoff viability.
With Jimmy Butler sidelined for the season by a torn ACL (surgery in early February), the Warriors suddenly have a glaring void at forward. Porzingis adds size, spacing, and rim protection inside, but the wing rotation — especially on the defensive end — remains thin. Enter Haywood Highsmith, the 6-foot-5, 28-year-old forward who was waived by the Brooklyn Nets immediately after the February 5 deadline following a meniscus surgery that kept him out all season.
2024-25 Miami Heat Player Review: Haywood Highsmith
Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe made a compelling case Tuesday (February 11, 2026) that reuniting Highsmith with his former Miami Heat teammate Butler could be a low-risk, high-reward buyout addition for Golden State:
“Haywood Highsmith could be a prime buyout target for the Warriors. After being traded from the Miami Heat to the Nets in the offseason, Highsmith never played a game for the franchise following meniscus surgery. He was waived immediately after the deadline, giving the veteran forward an opportunity to enter free agency and join a playoff-contending team.”
“For a team who lost Jimmy Butler to a season-ending knee injury last month, and who just traded Jonathan Kuminga away in a deal for the 7-foot-2 Kristaps Porzingis, Golden State currently lack options at either forward position.”
Why Highsmith Makes Sense for the Warriors
Highsmith spent the previous three seasons (2022–2025) as a valuable rotation piece in Miami under Erik Spoelstra, helping the Heat reach the 2023 NBA Finals. His two-way reliability was key in that run: solid perimeter defense, hustle plays, and enough shooting to keep defenses honest.
In his last healthy season (2024-25 with Miami before the trade):
6.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.9 SPGShooting splits: 45.8% FG, 38.2% 3P (on low volume), 79.2% FTPlayed 68 games, known for toughness and versatility (could guard 2–4, switch on screens, crash boards)
At 6’5″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, Highsmith isn’t an explosive scorer, but he’s exactly the type of glue forward Golden State has missed since the Butler injury and Kuminga’s departure. He could slot in as a 20–25 MPG rotation piece alongside Andrew Wiggins, Gary Payton II, and Porzingis, providing switchable defense, spot-up shooting, and intangibles (hustle, toughness) that fit Steve Kerr’s system.
The Butler connection is the emotional hook: Highsmith and Butler formed a strong bond in Miami, often praised for their complementary styles (Butler’s creation + Highsmith’s finishing/spot defense). Reuniting them — even briefly — could provide chemistry and leadership in the locker room during Butler’s rehab.
The Red Flags and Reality Check
Highsmith hasn’t played a single NBA minute this season due to the meniscus tear (surgery in October 2025). That’s a legitimate concern for a Warriors team already managing injuries (Curry’s ongoing issues, Porzingis’ Achilles recovery). His age (28) and lack of recent game reps mean he’d need time to ramp up, and the buyout market is competitive — contenders like the Celtics, Knicks, or Nuggets could also pursue him for depth.
Still, the cost is minimal: a veteran minimum deal (likely $2–3 million prorated for the rest of the season) with no long-term commitment. If he clears waivers and signs quickly, he could be ready by late March or early April — perfect timing for a playoff push.
O’Keefe’s pitch is spot-on: in a season where Golden State has already swung big at the deadline, a low-risk flyer on a proven playoff performer with Butler ties could be the quiet move that elevates the roster from “good” to “dangerous.”
Warriors fans, would you want to see Highsmith in the Bay Area reuniting with Butler? Or is the injury risk too high? Does he fit Kerr’s system better than other buyout targets? Drop your thoughts in the comments — the buyout window opens soon, and Golden State needs every edge!