Will the Nets Have Haywood Highsmith for the Entirety of the 2025-26 NBA Season?

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the Brooklyn Nets are navigating a rebuild following a dismal 26-56 finish in the 2024-25 campaign. One of the more intriguing offseason acquisitions for the Nets was forward Haywood Highsmith, traded from the Miami Heat in August 2025 in a salary dump that netted Brooklyn a future second-round pick. Highsmith, a 28-year-old 3-and-D wing with valuable playoff experience, brings defensive tenacity and shooting potential to a young roster. However, with his contract expiring at $5.6 million and the Nets’ focus on development and asset accumulation, questions abound: Will the Nets retain Highsmith for the full season? This article delves into Highsmith’s background, the trade details, his injury recovery, role on the team, trade rumors, and the broader implications for Brooklyn’s strategy, ultimately assessing the likelihood of him staying through the end of the 2025-26 season.

Haywood Highsmith’s Background and Career Trajectory

Haywood Highsmith’s NBA journey is a testament to perseverance and versatility. Undrafted out of Division II Wheeling University in 2018, Highsmith honed his skills in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats, averaging double-doubles in scoring and rebounding during his time there. He earned All-MEC honors and was named MEC Player of the Year in his senior year, showcasing the defensive prowess that would define his professional career.

Highsmith broke into the NBA with the Miami Heat in 2021, initially on a two-way contract before signing a standard deal. Over four seasons with Miami, he became a reliable role player, particularly on defense. In the 2024-25 season, his last with the Heat, Highsmith appeared in 74 games, starting 37, and averaged 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 45.8% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range. His defensive impact was notable; he guarded positions 1 through 4 effectively, earning praise as one of Miami’s best perimeter defenders outside of Bam Adebayo. Highsmith’s playoff pedigree is equally impressive, logging 35 games across four postseasons, including Miami’s 2023 NBA Finals run, where he contributed 3.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game.

What makes Highsmith appealing is his 3-and-D skill set: elite on-ball defense combined with improved shooting. In the 2025 playoffs, despite Miami’s sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Highsmith elevated his game, averaging 7.3 points on 57.9% shooting and 1.8 threes at 46.7%. Scouts compare him to players like OG Anunoby for his length (6’7″ with a long wingspan) and ability to switch defensively. However, his career has not been without hurdles, including minor injuries like Achilles soreness in February 2025, where he was listed as probable but played through it. This resilience is key as he enters a new chapter with the Nets.

Highsmith’s move to Brooklyn represents a shift from a contending Heat team to a rebuilding squad. At 28, he’s the oldest player on the Nets’ roster alongside Terance Mann, both at 28. His experience could mentor young talents like Noah Clowney and Jalen Wilson, but in a win-now league, his expiring deal makes him a trade chip rather than a long-term fixture.

The Trade Details: A Salary Dump for the Heat, Asset Grab for the Nets

The trade sending Highsmith to Brooklyn was announced on August 15, 2025, and was primarily driven by Miami’s need to duck under the luxury tax threshold. The Heat, coming off a disappointing 37-45 season and a first-round playoff exit, were $1.6 million over the tax line entering the offseason. By offloading Highsmith’s $5.6 million salary— the second year of a two-year deal he signed in 2024—along with an unprotected 2032 second-round pick, Miami created nearly $4 million in breathing room, finishing about $4 million below the threshold. In return, they received a heavily protected 2026 second-round pick from Brooklyn, which is unlikely to convey due to its top-55 protection.

For the Nets, the deal fits general manager Sean Marks’ strategy of absorbing expiring contracts to stockpile draft assets. Brooklyn entered the summer with over $22.5 million in cap space, positioning them as the NBA’s premier “dumping ground” for bad money. This was the third such salary dump of the offseason, following acquisitions of Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann. The Nets parted with minimal value—a conditional 2026 second-rounder—while gaining Highsmith’s services and a future pick. As NBA insider Jake Fischer noted, “Brooklyn’s phone certainly figures to ring with interest in Highsmith, who has shown strong 3-and-D potential when healthy.” This trade wasn’t rushed; reports indicate negotiations took time, with the Nets pushing for favorable terms to maximize future returns.

The acquisition complicated Brooklyn’s roster, pushing them to 18 guaranteed contracts (over the 15-player limit for the regular season) and 21 total players for training camp, which begins next week as of September 17, 2025. To accommodate, the Nets waived center David Muoka and traded for Atlanta’s Kobe Bufkin for cash, trimming the edges. Highsmith’s addition also indirectly impacted other rumors, such as closing the door on a potential Jonathan Kuminga signing by filling the wing spot and using cap space. Overall, the trade underscores Brooklyn’s rebuild: prioritize youth and picks over contention.

Injury Recovery: Knee Surgery and Readiness for the Season

A significant wrinkle in Highsmith’s Nets tenure is his recent knee injury. On August 8, 2025—just a week before the trade—Highsmith underwent successful surgery to repair a meniscal tear in his right knee, suffered during an offseason workout in Baltimore. The Heat announced he would miss 8-10 weeks of action, beginning rehabilitation immediately. With surgery on August 8, this timeline projects a return between October 3 and October 17, 2025—potentially missing the start of training camp (late September) and early preseason games but aligning with the regular season opener on October 22.

As of September 17, Highsmith’s status is listed as questionable for Opening Night, per FOX Sports and other outlets. The Nets’ medical staff will monitor his progress, but meniscal tears are common and often allow for full recovery without long-term issues, especially for a durable player like Highsmith. He has a history of playing through minor ailments, such as left Achilles soreness on February 5, 2025 (probable status) and a questionable personal injury on January 6, 2025. Earlier in April 2025, he was questionable for a game against the 76ers due to Achilles issues but suited up.

If recovery goes smoothly, Highsmith should be available for the bulk of the season, providing depth at forward. However, any setback could sideline him longer, forcing the Nets to rely on rookies like Drake Powell or veterans like Ziaire Williams. His injury adds uncertainty to his immediate role but doesn’t preclude a full-season presence barring complications.

Highsmith’s Potential Role on the Nets Roster

Brooklyn’s 2025-26 roster is a mix of young prospects and expiring veterans, with 17 players under contract as of mid-September, including recent addition Kobe Bufkin. Core pieces include Cam Thomas (scoring guard), Nic Claxton (defensive anchor), and rookies like Egor Demin, Nolan Traoré, and Noah Clowney. Highsmith slots in as a small forward/power forward, bringing the best on-ball defense among wings, potentially mentoring Drake Powell and limiting rookies’ minutes early.

Under new head coach Jordi Fernández, the Nets emphasize development and G League usage, so Highsmith’s role might be limited to 15-20 minutes per game off the bench, focusing on perimeter defense and spot-up shooting. His 38.2% three-point shooting last season addresses Brooklyn’s need for spacing, while his versatility (guarding 1-4) fits a switch-heavy scheme. However, with a crowded forward room—featuring Ziaire Williams, Jalen Wilson, and Day’Ron Sharpe—Highsmith isn’t a lock for rotation minutes, especially if rookies like Dariq Whitehead progress.

The Nets’ non-competitive stance means Highsmith’s experience could stabilize the lineup during a projected lottery season, but his veteran status might conflict with youth development. As one analyst noted, “Brooklyn’s phone figures to ring with interest in Highsmith,” suggesting his role could be short-lived if trade offers arise. If he stays, he provides trade flexibility; if traded, he opens spots for prospects.

Trade Rumors and Speculation: A Likely Deadline Target?

The prevailing narrative around Highsmith is his appeal as a trade asset. With an expiring $5.6 million contract, he’s an affordable addition for contenders seeking wing depth without long-term commitment. NBA insiders like Jake Fischer and Marc Stein have highlighted his “strong 3-and-D potential when healthy” and postseason experience, predicting interest from playoff teams. Recent X posts echo this, with rumors of the Nets “shopping” him at the February 2026 deadline, potentially drawing bids from teams like the Lakers or Hawks.

Speculation intensified after Brooklyn’s trade for Bufkin on September 15, 2025, which added to roster crunch and listed Highsmith among trade candidates alongside Cam Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe. Posts suggest deals involving Highsmith for draft capital or players like Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber. The Nets’ rebuild—focusing on 2026 draft prospects like Cameron Boozer—prioritizes assets over veterans, making Highsmith expendable.

While no deals are imminent, the deadline frenzy could see Highsmith moved if contenders need defense. His post-trade eligibility (immediately) allows flexibility, but Brooklyn might retain him early for chemistry before flipping him.

The Nets’ Rebuild Strategy and Its Impact on Highsmith

Brooklyn’s 2025 offseason was about accumulation: absorbing salaries for picks while drafting high-upside talents like Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf. With 17 contracts, the Nets must trim to 15 by Opening Night, potentially waiving non-guaranteed players. General manager Sean Marks has emphasized G League development, using Highsmith as a bridge player rather than a staple.

This strategy aligns with the principle of accountability from Doctrine and Covenants 72:3, where stewards must render an account of their responsibilities. The Nets’ front office is stewarding their cap space and picks wisely, treating Highsmith as a temporary asset to maximize long-term value. If he performs well post-recovery, his trade value rises; if not, he finishes the year as a mentor.

Risks include injury setbacks or poor fit, but Highsmith’s track record suggests he’ll contribute. The Nets’ projected lottery finish (bottom-third in the East) reduces contention pressure, but trade interest could accelerate his exit.

 Unlikely to Last the Full Season

In summary, while Haywood Highsmith is under contract with the Brooklyn Nets for the entire 2025-26 season and expected to recover from knee surgery in time for the regular season, the likelihood of him remaining for the full year is low. His expiring deal, defensive skills, and playoff experience make him an attractive deadline target for contenders, and Brooklyn’s rebuild prioritizes youth and assets over retaining a 28-year-old veteran. Recent rumors and roster moves, including the Bufkin acquisition, signal potential trades, with insiders predicting his departure by February 2026. Highsmith’s Nets stint may be brief—a valuable stop in his career—but one that aids Brooklyn’s future. As the season unfolds, his performance and market demand will dictate his fate, embodying the NBA’s fluid nature where no player is indispensable in a rebuild.