Miami Heat Trade Haywood Highsmith to Nets for Draft Pick, Shed Luxury Tax
In a surprising move, the Miami Heat have traded forward Haywood Highsmith and a 2032 second-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for a protected 2026 second-round pick, sources tell ESPN (@ShamsCharania).
The trade reflects Miami’s strategic maneuvering to address financial constraints while reshaping their roster. Highsmith, 28, spent four seasons with the Heat, carving out a reliable role in their rotation. Known for his defensive versatility and improving three-point shooting (38.2% from beyond the arc in the 2024-25 season), he averaged 6.5 points and 3.4 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game last season.
His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute from deep made him a valuable 3-and-D wing, particularly during Miami’s playoff runs. However, with his contract set to expire in 2026, the Heat opted to move him to gain flexibility. The trade allows Miami to duck under the NBA’s luxury tax line, a critical financial move as the team navigates the league’s new, more punitive apron rules. By shedding Highsmith’s $5.2 million salary, the Heat create room to potentially re-sign key players or pursue additional roster tweaks.
The move also opens up minutes for younger talents like Pelle Larsson, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Nikola Jović, as well as new acquisition Simone Fontecchio, who brings similar wing versatility and shooting (42.6% from three in 23/24 with Detroit).
Fontecchio, acquired earlier this offseason, is expected to compete for a larger role in Miami’s rotation under coach Erik Spoelstra. For the Nets, acquiring Highsmith adds a cost-controlled, battle-tested wing to their rebuilding roster. Brooklyn, in the midst of a youth movement following the trades of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, values Highsmith’s defensive tenacity and shooting as a complement to young stars like Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton.
The 2032 second-round pick provides Brooklyn with additional draft capital, while the protected 2026 pick they sent to Miami (31-55 protected) likely won’t even convey for the Heat as the Nets would have to be a top 5 team in the league next season.
The trade reflects differing priorities: Miami is fine-tuning a playoff-contending roster while managing its budget, while Brooklyn continues to stockpile assets and depth for the future. For Highsmith, the move offers a fresh opportunity to showcase his skills in a new system, potentially earning a larger role as the Nets rebuild.
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