The Philadelphia 76ers still have an open roster spot, and while they are technically unable to fill that for now, things will open up in a few months, if not sooner, barring other roster changes. To that effect, one player should now be on their radar is Haywood Highsmith was just booted out by the Suns in a rather surprising development.
As first reported by Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto, Phoenix has decided to waive Highsmith. As a result, the free agent market suddenly has a new three-and-D option teams can closely monitor, and the 76ers should definitely try to be in play for the six-year veteran. After all, they could still use someone of his ilk, a low-usage, but high impact player who can bolster their second unit and be a stopgap option.
The 76ers should closely monitor Haywood Highsmith after getting waived by the Suns
Due to injuries, Highsmith was limited to only seven games all of last season. Be that as it may, his body of work cannot be forgotten, as he was productive in his last full campaign in the 2024-25 season, which he spent with the Heat.
A career 38 percent shooter who plays much bigger than his frame indicates on the defensive end, Highsmith is one of the better plug-and-play pieces in the league. He is not going to log many minutes, but his time on the court will definitely be felt thanks to his switchable D and respectable perimeter shooting.
With Highsmith set to earn some bucks from his partially guaranteed contract anyway, he and his camp would most likely be amenable to the veteran's minimum. That will eventually open a pathway for the 76ers to bring him into the fold when the time is right or if they make some other openings on the roster.
Signing Dean Wade was a good move for the 76ers, which further jampacked the team with high-usage stars, but someone like Highsmith will be a good insurance addition in order to arm the team with a connective piece who will embrace doing the less glamorous things on the hardwood.
The 76ers have one of the most formidable lineups in the league, but having another three-and-D option like Highsmith won't hurt. And now that he is available for dirt cheap, the team's brain trust should certainly keep a close eye on his situation as a new free agent.
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