Overview
- The Suns officially waived forward Haywood Highsmith on Wednesday, Aug. 12, a move recorded in the NBA transaction logs and first reported by HoopsHype.
- Highsmith’s 2026-27 deal carried roughly a $3 million salary with a $1 million partial guarantee and the Suns will owe that guarantee if he goes unclaimed on waivers.
- The roster move drops Phoenix to 14 players on standard contracts and opens a spot the team can fill before training camp.
- Highsmith missed most of the 2025-26 season after right-knee meniscus surgery and a rehab setback, and he appeared in seven games for the Suns last season while averaging about 5.4 points in limited minutes.
- Teams commonly waive partially guaranteed players to limit guaranteed pay and reduce luxury-tax exposure, and Phoenix’s move is projected to lower its near-term tax bill by roughly $11 million while preserving flexibility to add a 15th man.