When the Miami Heat lost Caleb Martin in free agency to the Philadelphia 76ers, it compelled the front office to act decisively in the second wave of free agency. Instead of pursuing a high-profile player via a massive deal, the Heat opted for stability, retaining their own 3-and-D swing forward, Haywood Highsmith, with a two-year, $11 million contract. Highsmith will join free agency addition Alec Burks and returning bigs Thomas Bryant and Kevin Love to fortify the roster.
Highsmith, standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 220 pounds, is an ideal modern 3-and-D wing. Last season, he hit 39.6 percent of his three-pointers and took on top defensive matchups for the Heat, showcasing his versatility by guarding positions ranging from shooting guards to power forwards.
While Highsmith may not match Martin’s offensive prowess or playoff experience, his two-way ability addresses a crucial need for the Heat. Highsmith’s development could be key, potentially allowing him to take on a starting role and remain on the court in crucial late-game situations where defensive prowess is essential.
Highsmith’s Journey and Fit with the Heat.
Speaking with ClutchPoints’ Zachary Weinberger, Highsmith expressed satisfaction with his new contract and excitement about returning to the Heat.
“I think the contract I got now with the Heat, I’m really satisfied with it. I think we still got more in the tank, for sure. So I’m just going to keep pushing. It’s been a bit of a journey, a bit of a process. I’m glad to be back,” Highsmith said.
“This is my first time being a real free agent, so we just took it day by day. There were multiple calls, multiple meetings, talking about different things. It’s been a process. It’s new rules with the CBA. So a lot of things are going on. It’s just been a process, an up-and-down roller-coaster. But the contract I’ve got now with the Heat, I’m satisfied with it.”
Highsmith praised the Heat for their investment in him and pledged to continue working hard to develop further.
“The Heat have just invested in me, and I appreciate them. They took a chance on a Division II kid, and I couldn’t be more grateful,” Highsmith noted.
“I’m going to be myself. I’m not going to try to fill nobody’s shoes. I know the type of player I am in this league. I’m a defender, tough guy, can make open shots, make threes, and I’m a good shooter, and I’m going to play the right way, play hard, and do whatever it takes to win.”
Looking Ahead
Highsmith’s mindset and commitment are precisely what the Heat need as they move forward. While fans may compare him to Martin, Highsmith’s focus on his role and continuous improvement ensures that he will remain a valuable part of the Heat’s plans, rotation, and culture well into the future. His recent signing not only fills a roster spot but also strengthens the team’s foundation, potentially even beyond the two-year constraints of his current contract.
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