The Miami Heat are guaranteeing Haywood Highsmith’s $1.9 million salary for the 2023-24 NBA season.
Highsmith’s agent, Jerry Dianis, confirmed the news to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The decision was expected for Highsmith, the Baltimore native who says he learned to play with an edge in the city, because he has a low salary figure and will be competing for a spot in the Heat’s rotation. Miami could’ve waived Highsmith before Saturday’s deadline to avoid guaranteeing his salary or delayed the guaranteed date in his contract with amended language. Now, he gets a guaranteed deal on Saturday — and security.
Highsmith, who played at Archbishop Curley, is set to be a restricted free agent next summer if the Heat extend a $2.38 qualifying offer. If not, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.
The 26-year-old Highsmith didn’t get consistent playing time for the Heat last season but had flashes of playing a solid role with his 3-point shooting and defense. He appeared in 54 games (11 starts), averaging 4.4 points on 43.1% shooting and 3.5 rebounds in 17.9 minutes per game.
Highsmith, who went undrafted out of NCAA Division II Wheeling University, had a breakout performance in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, recording 18 points and two steals in 23 minutes. He played sparingly the rest of the series, however, as Miami adjusted its rotation.
Highsmith also scored 15 points off the bench against the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.
After the season, Highsmith told reporters his hope for next season is to have a bigger role.
“I think for me this offseason is big for me just to keep getting better, being more confident,” Highsmith said. “I’m a defender first, keep shooting the open threes, keep developing my shot. Also, just putting the ball on the floor more and making plays, I think I can do some more of that. And just show more development as far as that.”
Highsmith, who originally joined Miami on a 10-day contract, was one of a few undrafted gems to play a key role last season. As they look to build upon their impressive run to the Finals as a No. 8 seed, he is likely to play an important role for another season.
