The Phoenix Suns are finalizing a multiyear agreement with veteran forward Haywood Highsmith, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, extending a two-year pursuit the organization believes reinforces its emerging culture of toughness and defensive consistency.
Roster Move Expected
To complete the signing, Phoenix is expected to waive guard Cole Anthony, Rankin reported. The Suns have one open standard roster slot, allowing the transaction without additional maneuvering.
Surpassing Early Projections
Phoenix entered the season projected for roughly 31.5 victories. With a 32-23 record, the club sits seventh in the Western Conference, just three games behind the third seed, already outpacing preseason expectations.
Front-Office Philosophy
Owner Mat Ishbia, often scrutinized for leaning on Michigan State connections, has doubled down on an internal, work-first approach. He elevated longtime confidant Brian Gregory to general manager and works closely with CEO Josh Bartelstein to reinforce that culture.
“When people wanted to blame me last time, I wasn’t actually doing it my way,” Ishbia told The Athletic. “Now, I am.”
Strategic Constraints
The Suns remain limited in trade assets after blockbuster deals for Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, and Beal’s ongoing cap hit constrains future flexibility. Signing role players such as Highsmith aligns with the franchise’s current strategy of emphasizing structure over star power.
Highsmith, valued for his competitiveness rather than headline appeal, is expected to fit seamlessly into that blueprint.
Source: Hoops Wire
