Suns Make Surprising Decision After Waiving Forward

Phoenix Suns fans believe something is up after the surprising transaction.

Apr 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Haywood Highsmith (19) against the Golden State Warriors during the play-in rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns are reportedly waiving Haywood Highsmith, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto on X:

"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."

The move comes as a surprise, as the Suns have mostly had their roster set for the 2026-27 season with training camp just over a month away.

Highsmith wasn't projected to have a big role in the Suns' lineup, as he played in just seven games for Phoenix last year with 13 minutes averaged per contest. He made two appearances for the Suns in the postseason with just 5.5 minutes averaged there.

Highsmith was initially signed by Phoenix just after the trade deadline passed, making him a buy-out acquisition by the Suns. However, Highsmith was still recovering from a knee injury when he was signed and didn't make his debut with Phoenix until March 8.

Highsmith said he was excited to have a full offseason where he was healthy.

“This offseason is big for me as far as trying to get all the way back to the player I was when I was in Miami and the player I envision myself to be,” Highsmith said earlier during the regular season. (h/t The Arizona Republic).

“Get stronger, get in better shape. I’ll have a real offseason. Didn’t really have a real offseason coming into the season because I got hurt in August.”

The decision to waive Highsmith comes with one of two possibilities: Either the Suns are paving a path for younger forwards such as Rasheer Fleming and Koa Peat to earn a few more minutes, or Phoenix is planning something with their newfound roster spot.

Some have suggested Ben Simmons could be on the way to Phoenix, though that feels doubtful given the current depth in the Suns' backcourt.

The Suns could simply be looking for flexibility on the roster, as Arizona Sports' Kellan Olson and John Gambadoro pointed out.

Suns open up a roster spot. @Gambo987 mentioned this as a possibility on the show a few weeks back. Teams value that flexibility.

That's now $24 million in dead money this season. https://t.co/ekKVEH6E6t

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) August 12, 2026

Either way, this news came out of nowhere.