Brooklyn’s trade acquisition suffered an injury ahead of the regular season opener
Brooklyn Nets forward Haywood Highsmith was hoping to return from offseason knee surgery in time for the opening of the regular season. However, after an injury setback, he will be sidelined for much longer.
Highsmith recently experienced swelling of the right knee while rehabbing from a meniscus procedure in August. After an evaluation, the Nets determined that the veteran power forward would require a modified rehabilitation program to address the swelling. He will be re-evaluated in eight weeks.
Highsmith joined the Nets in August along with a second-round pick in a salary trade with the Miami Heat.
Nets forward Haywood Highsmith has been sidelined for two months after an injury setback
Despite Highsmith’s injury, The Nets decided to keep him above a 2023 first-round pick Darrick Whitehead and Kobe Bufkin, who were recently waived. Brooklyn values Highsmith’s leadership qualities on a roster that features an NBA-record five first-round rookie picks. The 28-year-old appeared in 35 playoff games and was part of the rotation on a Heat team that reached the Finals.
More importantly, Highsmith could have trade value if he looks healthy upon his return to the floor. The five-year NBA veteran is a capable defender and career 37.4 percent three-point shooter with playoff experience. However, his new schedule will sideline him until at least the end of December, at which point the Feb. 5 trade deadline will be just over a month away.
It’s unclear where Highsmith will fit into Brooklyn’s rotation when he returns. The Nets have three other veteran wings — Michael Porter Jr., Terrence Mann and Zair Williams — who will be in the rotation from day one. They also have rookie first-round pick Drake Powell, as well as Tyrese Martin and Jalen Wilson.
however, the Nets’ decision to keep Highsmith instead of Bufkin and Whitehead signals that they plan to introduce it at some point.
2025-10-20 13:58:00
