Haywood Highsmith is currently a member of the Brooklyn Nets, and while I think the Nets should try to add as many NBA-caliber players as possible to one of the worst rosters in recent NBA history, I also don't think Highsmith will start the year as a member of this team, which is fully in the "asset gathering" stage of a rebuild. If Highsmith is on the trade block, Daryl Morey should pick up the phone and not hang it up until Highsmith is on a flight to Philly.
Trading for Highsmith — which can likely be done for a few future second-round picks — would accomplish two things for Morey and the Sixers. Firstly, it would add a key depth piece on the wing. Highsmith isn't a starter, but on a team that will be relying on the oft-injured Paul George, the streaky Kelly Oubre, and the unproven Justin Edwards at the wing spot, Highsmith would be a nice safety blanket who can be called upon to provide some energy minutes.
It would also be nice to grab a player who spent the past few years on the Miami Heat, who have not been particularly friendly with the Sixers in past years. The Heat traded Highsmith to get under the luxury tax line, and the Sixers could poach him now and use his thirst for revenge against the Heat to their advantage. Okay, I don't actually know if Haywood Highsmith has a thirst for revenge against the Miami Heat, but he'd he helpful in Philly regardless.
Sixers should add as much depth as possible when they can
Typically, there aren't usually too many forwards who are likely to play consistent minutes the following season available at the end of August. But Highsmith fits that bill, and he's on an expiring deal for 2025-26, too, so the Sixers would be on the hook for just one year. I assume that multiple teams have called the Nets about adding him, so the Sixers might be in a bit of a bidding war, but I trust Daryl Morey to get deals done. For better or worse, that man is persistent.
Whether you think it's realistic, this Sixers team wants to compete in the Eastern Confernece. So often, the NBA season is a battle of attrition, as the Sixers have seen firsthand in so many seasons, so collecting as many playable guys as possible is imperative.
Projected Sixers depth chart if they swing a deal for Haywood Highsmith
Position | Starter | Backup | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|
Point guard | Tyrese Maxey | VJ Edgecombe | Kyle Lowry |
Shooting guard | Quentin Grimes | Jared McCain | |
Small forward | Paul George | Justin Edwards | |
Power forward | Kelly Oubre | Haywood Highsmith | Trendon Watford |
Center | Joel Embiid | Adem Bona | Jabari Walker |
I don't actually think Nick Nurse would play 13 guys, but this is a very rough, early idea of what the rotation could look like if Highsmith does end up with the team. I think he'd be a backup four with some stints at the three, floating between both forward positions depending on the Sixers opponent.