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yesterday

Heat Trade Haywood Highsmith to Nets to Clear Luxury-Tax Space

The move lowers Miami’s payroll below the luxury-tax line by exporting a $5.6 million contract.

Image
Feb 24, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith (24) on the court prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images/File Photo
(Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Feb 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith (24) reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Overview

  • Miami sent Haywood Highsmith and an unprotected 2032 second-round pick to Brooklyn in exchange for a top-55 protected 2026 second-round selection.
  • Shifting Highsmith’s expiring $5.6 million salary reduces the Heat about $4 million below the luxury-tax threshold and creates a one-year trade exception.
  • Highsmith is expected to miss eight to ten weeks recovering from recent meniscus surgery, leaving his immediate availability and role with the Nets uncertain.
  • The trade drops Miami to 13 players on standard contracts, opening spots for a veteran-minimum addition or expanded minutes for younger wings such as Keshad Johnson.
  • Brooklyn may need to clear two guaranteed contracts to accommodate Highsmith under its 15-player roster limit, putting his long-term status with the Nets in flux.