Scotto: The Suns have officially waived Hawks wing Haywood Highsmith.

According to Hoops Rumors reporter Michael Scotto on Wednesday, the Phoenix Suns have waived Haywood Highsmith. If no one claims him, he will become a free agent on Friday.

Highsmith's contract, expiring in the 2026/27 season, is worth approximately $3.02 million, with $1 million partially guaranteed. Unless a team claims him, the Suns must cover that amount.

With Highsmith's departure, the Suns' standard contract roster has been reduced to 14. Their total salary will also be below the second-highest salary threshold by approximately $6.9 million, which is expected to reduce luxury tax expenses by over $11 million.

Highsmith, 29, is a 6'6" (1.96m) and 100kg (50kg) forward who entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent in October 2018. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat, appearing in 218 regular season games, averaging 5.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 20.0 minutes per game, with a field goal percentage of 44.9% and a three-point percentage of 37.4%.

Highsmith also played 35 playoff games, averaging 3.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in 11.5 minutes per game. His most notable playoff achievement was leading the Heat to the 2023 NBA Finals.

In February of this year, Highsmith joined the Suns as a free agent. Affected by a torn meniscus in his right knee, he has only played 7 regular-season games for the Suns so far, averaging 13.0 minutes, 5.4 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 52.2% and a three-point percentage of 57.1%.

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