Five-Year Forward Re-Signs with the Heat

Many expected the Miami Heat to be a formidable opponent within the Eastern Conference this past season. That was simply not the case. After finishing with a 46-36 record, Miami clinched the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. They lost to the Sixers for the rights of the seventh seed but were able to prevail and defeat the Chicago Bulls during the Play-In Tournament to take that final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Miami’s playoff run would be short-lived. They were swept by the eventual-champion Boston Celtics. Forward Haywood Highsmith was a solid piece for the Heat’s bench, but after the season’s conclusion, Highsmith became a free agent. It has been reported that the five-year forward has re-signed with the Heat on a two-year, $11 million deal.  

During the 2019 regular season, Highsmith signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. After the season ended, he was waived by the Sixers. After playing in the G-League, and in Germany for some time, Highsmith signed a 10-day contract with the Miami Heat on December 30th, 2021. A few months later, Miami gave Highsmith two more 10-day contracts. After the second 10-day contract, the Heat signed Highsmith to a three-year deal to remain in Miami. Following the sweep by the Celtics, the rising forward will look to show the same toughness and grit he has experienced throughout his career with the Heat next season.  

Highsmith played in 66 games and started in 26 games for the Heat last season. He averaged about 21 minutes on the floor a game. The five-year forward put up nearly six points, three rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block a game. On March 29th, Highsmith put up a season-high of 20 points along with six rebounds, an assist, and a steal during a blowout 142-82 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.