MIAMI – In a transfer that takes the staff under the punitive NBA luxurious tax, the Miami Warmth have traded ahead Haywood Highsmith and a 2032 second-round draft option to the Brooklyn Nets.
With the Nets working far under the NBA wage cap, the Warmth in return obtain solely a conditioning 2026 second-round decide, one that’s not anticipated to convey because of the restrictions connected. The decide from the Nets to the Warmth conveys provided that Brooklyn finishes with one of many 5 finest information within the NBA this coming season.
Whereas Highsmith has stood as a dependable defensive presence for the Warmth, he at present is recovering from latest knee surgical procedure. As well as, he’s an impending 2026 free agent, with the Warmth positioned to doubtlessly clear salary-cap house subsequent summer season.
With Highsmith out of the combo, it doubtlessly opens taking part in time for second-year ahead Keshad Johnson, whose 2025-26 wage in June was assured for the approaching season.
With the transfer decreasing the Warmth to 13 gamers below commonplace contract, it would require the Warmth to finally add an extra participant on such a regular deal.
Friday’s transfer doubtlessly opens the door for a return by level guard Dru Smith, a restricted free agent who’s recovering from final season’s Achilles tear and not is eligible for a Warmth two-way contract. The Warmth proceed to have a qualifying provide in place for Smith, permitting them to match any potential exterior gives.
A defensive stalwart, Highsmith was added by the Warmth as an emergency pandemic alternative participant in 2021. He then emerged as a dependable defensive element, usually solid as a undersized energy ahead.
Highsmith is within the second 12 months of the two-year contract he signed to return to the Warmth in free company in the course of the 2024 offseason, due $5.6 million for the approaching season.
Previous to Friday’s commerce, the Warmth stood $1.6 million above the 2025-26 luxury-tax threshold, at risk of shifting into the extremely punitive and restrictive repeater tax. The Warmth now have room below the luxurious tax to signal any participant to a veteran-minimum contract, no matter NBA expertise.
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