This summer will be a significant offseason for the Miami Heat. Besides the Jimmy Butler extension situation, they also have a ton of upcoming free agents. The Heat currently have seven or more possible free agents available for this summer depending on the players opt out decisions. Among them is Haywood Highsmith, who has played for the team for the past three seasons. Later this month, Highsmith is expected to be an unrestricted free agency. As per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Highsmith is receiving a lot of interest from teams all over the league.
“I would say Haywood [Highsmith] has a lot of interest from teams around the league because of the prototype that he fits, which is a 3-and-D guy,” Michael Scotto of HoopsHype stated on the Locked On Heat Podcast on Friday. “(He) shot 40 percent from 3, which is a high watermark for teams around the league. Defensively, you guys know in Miami, him being ‘The Locksmith.’
“His wingspan at 7-foot-1 allows him to guard some of the best players in the league, whether it’s Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown–who they’ve gone up against a bunch–and even Jalen Brunson. He’s always guarding the top perimeter player. And in a league where there hasn’t been as much of an emphasis on defense, you need guys like that to win.”
Highsmith Wants to Remain in Miami
With the Heat trying to avoid the punitive second apron, it’s likely to affect many of their decisions next month. Caleb Martin, another key free agent, is projected to receive offers around $12 million, which would likely price him out of the Heat’s range. Martin would love to return to Miami, but his future seems murky because of this. Like Martin, Highsmith also recently expressed his desire to remain in Miami.
“I’d love to stay in Miami for sure. I feel like I’ve built a great life out here. My daughter lives out here as well. If all things are close, I definitely would love to stay in Miami, but we’ll see when that time comes. I’ll still be the same person no matter how much I get paid or whatever happens. I’ll still be in the gym locked in and trying to win a championship.”
Highsmith via Michael Scotto’s Hoopshype Podcast
With Miami having a busy summer ahead of them as they look at improving their squad, it is unclear what will happen with Highsmith in free agency, which begins June 30. Miami is attempting to improve their roster to avoid another play-in tournament and contend in the Eastern Conference.