Phoenix Suns Reportedly Waive Defensive-Minded Wing

The Phoenix Suns have once again made a decisive roster move during what is typically a "quiet" part of the offseason. 

On the eve of the 2026-27 NBA schedule release and roughly seven weeks before training camp opens up, general manager Brian Gregory decided to open a roster spot by waiving one-year member of the organization in forward Haywood Highsmith.

Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype was the first to report this transaction. 

"The Phoenix Suns have waived Haywood Highsmith, league sources told @hoopshype. He was partially guaranteed $1 million of his $3 million salary for the 2026-27 season. The 3-and-D forward has averaged 5.4 points on 38% 3-point shooting and 3.1 rebounds in six NBA seasons."

Highsmith, 29, was signed to a two-year, partially guaranteed contract with Phoenix on February 18 following the versatile wing being waived by the Brooklyn Nets. The career 37.9% three-point shooter only appeared in seven games with the Suns last season, including a season-high 16 point effort in a near-victory over the Boston Celtics in March. 

Unfortunately, the partial guarantee and the premise of Phoenix fielding a crowded wing group in the upcoming season proved to be too much for Highsmith. It seems as if the Suns prioritized retaining Jamaree Bouyea for the guard rotation rather than keeping another wing.

The biggest question that rests in the fallout of this move is simple - will Phoenix keep the roster at 14 heading into training camp, or does Gregory have another move up his sleeve?

The 14 players on guaranteed NBA scaled contracts are as follows:

Guard (6) - Bouyea, Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Luke Kennard 

Forward (6) - Miles Bridges, Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn, Rasheer Fleming, Oso Ighodaro, Koa Peat

Center (2) - Mark Williams, Khaman Maluach

The roster opening is quite conspicuous here. While many would point to Phoenix potentially targeting Jonathan Kuminga - who has been linked to the franchise for an extended period of time - the more distinct likelihood is that restricted free agent Peyton Watson would be the player of interest if Phoenix opted to look for a sign-and-trade. 

Even that doesn't appear very likely. Expect Phoenix to either convert one of the two-way players on the team into a standard contract, hand out a one-year minimum contract to a free agent, or stand pat heading into the season. 

Best of luck to Highsmith wherever he lands next.