The Toronto Raptors could be on the verge of landing one of the smartest, lowest-risk bargains of the NBA offseason. Following a surprising roster move out in the desert, a premier 3-and-D wing is suddenly sitting on the open market, and Toronto has been handed the perfect opportunity to swoop in.
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Phoenix Suns have officially waived veteran forward Haywood Highsmith. The 29-year-old was originally picked up by Phoenix in mid-February after a stint with the Brooklyn Nets, signing a two-year deal worth roughly $3.85 million. However, with only $1 million of that salary partially guaranteed for the upcoming 2026–27 campaign, the Suns opted to cut ties, leaving the seasoned forward free to sign with any team in the league.
Why Haywood Highsmith is the Ultimate Modern “Glue Guy”
Over his six-year NBA career—highlighted by a lengthy, hard-fought tenure as an uncut gem of the famed “Heat Culture” in Miami from 2021 to 2025—Highsmith has carved out a stellar reputation as the quintessential modern role player.
Averaging 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting a highly respectable 45.0% from the field and an impressive 37.9% from beyond the arc, Highsmith brings the kind of high-energy, relentless defensive motor every championship contender covets. He guards multiple positions on the perimeter, never demands plays run for him, and spaces the floor efficiently.
Unsurprisingly, his sudden availability has triggered immediate interest. A long queue of suitors is expected to line up for his signature, with potential competition coming from a reunion with Miami, an aggressive push from Philadelphia, or Western Conference heavyweights like the Golden Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Perfect Fit for Darko Rajaković’s Toronto Raptors
Amidst the fierce competition, the Toronto Raptors should be at the absolute front of the line. Darko Rajaković’s squad has always prioritized versatile, high-IQ wings who buy into team defence, move without the ball, and contribute to winning in the margins.
While Toronto continues to navigate major roster maneuvers—including a pending blockbuster trade for Kawhi Leonard—the front office has steadily surrounded core pieces like Scottie Barnes, Ja’Kobe Walter, and Collin Murray-Boyles with smart, team-first veterans like Kyle Anderson and Allen Graves.
Adding Highsmith would inject a different dynamic into the rotation. Unlike Kyle Anderson, who can comfortably slide into small-ball five lineups as a point-forward, Highsmith profiles as a traditional, hard-nosed combo forward. He wouldn’t need to command heavy minutes or steal development time from younger prospects, but having a battle-tested defender to lean on during a gruelling 82-game schedule is an invaluable luxury.
Low-Risk, High-Reward: Why Toronto Must Pounce
Naturally, every bargain comes with a caveat. Highsmith’s primary question mark stems from his recent injury history; he was sidelined for the majority of the 2025–26 season after undergoing surgery to repair a meniscus tear, limiting him to just seven appearances with the Suns.
However, medical evaluations indicate he has fully recovered and returned to peak physical condition. Given his partial guarantee status in Phoenix, any team—including the Raptors—can likely ink him to a team-friendly veteran minimum contract.
With financial flexibility at a premium across the league, picking up a proven 3-and-D wing for pennies on the dollar is an opportunity Toronto cannot afford to sleep on. If Masai Ujiri and the Raptors’ front office can out-maneuver rival suitors and pitch Highsmith on a prominent bench role in the Great White North, they might just secure the ultimate under-the-radar steal of the summer.
