The Phoenix Suns are close to a multiyear agreement with veteran forward Haywood Highsmith, according to multiple league sources. The organization has tracked the 27-year-old for roughly two seasons and believes his competitiveness and toughness align with the roster’s needs.
Phoenix currently has one open standard roster spot but is also expected to release guard Cole Anthony to finalize the transaction.
Front-office direction
The Suns have outperformed preseason projections that set their over/under at 31.5 victories. At 32-23, they sit seventh in the Western Conference, just three games out of third place.
Owner Mat Ishbia has leaned heavily on his Michigan State connections since purchasing the club. Last offseason he elevated former Spartans assistant Brian Gregory to general manager and partnered with Gregory and chief executive Josh Bartelstein to shape what Ishbia calls a “hard-working culture.” “When people wanted to blame me last time, I wasn’t actually doing it my way,” Ishbia told The Athletic. “Now, I am, and there’s no question about it.”
Durant trade backstory
While James Jones remained head of basketball operations at last year’s trade deadline, sources say Bartelstein led discussions with teams pursuing Kevin Durant. The Houston Rockets reportedly offered a package featuring Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., but Phoenix insisted on the inclusion of Dillon Brooks and opted to revisit talks during the summer. A Rockets official disputes that Smith was ever part of Houston’s proposal.
Those negotiations, along with the later deal for Bradley Beal, have left the Suns short on future draft capital. The franchise will also carry Beal’s dead-money cap hit for several seasons, further squeezing payroll flexibility.
Brooks’ impact
Speaking to reporters Saturday, All-Star guard Devin Booker praised Brooks’ intensity. “Dillon is a hardworking man. He’s someone to rally behind. He’s a fierce competitor,” Booker said. “I’d rather have someone who’s too competitive than the other way.”
2027 All-Star Game
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed Saturday that planning is underway for the 2027 All-Star Game, which will be staged in Phoenix.
The Suns’ next move is expected to be the formal signing of Highsmith once roster space is secured.
Source: Hoops Rumors
