Brooklyn’s move after trading Ochai Agbadji should interest suitors
The Brooklyn Nets have requested an exemption on Highwood Highsmiththe team announced Thursday. The move comes after The Nets acquired Ochai Agbadji and a 2032 second-round pick from the Toronto Raptors. on Wednesday. Waiving Highsmith drops Brooklyn’s roster to 15 players.
Highsmith joined the Nets along with a second-round pick this summer in salary cap trouble by the Miami Heat. However, the veteran never appeared in a game for Brooklyn after suffering a setback during his recovery from offseason meniscus surgery.
Once he clears waivers, Highsmith will hit the free agent market. If healthy, he could draw interest from a number of candidates.
Could Haywood Highsmith help a contender after being waived by the Nets?
Highsmith could be an added value off the bench as a capable defender and three-point shooter with playoff experience. He made 194 appearances with 79 starts over the past three seasons with the Heat, averaging 5.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 37.8 percent from three.
Most importantly, the 28-year-old appeared in 35 playoff games, including 18 appearances during Miami’s Finals in 2023. Highsmith shot 40.4 percent from three in the postseason with the Heat.
Highsmith’s health for the rest of the season will be the main question concerning his free agent market. After meniscus surgery in August, Highsmith suffered a setback on recovery in October. He participated in one-on-one workouts with the Nets’ trainers, but as of early January, he had yet to progress to contact drills or five-on-five.
March 1 is the last day free agents can sign with a team and be eligible for the playoffs.
2026-02-05 18:10:00
