The Brooklyn Nets made a notable offseason move by acquiring 28-year-old wing Haywood Highsmith from the Miami Heat, aiming to strengthen their defensive lineup ahead of the 2025 NBA season. The trade, involving the exchange of future second-round picks, highlights Brooklyn’s desire to add experienced talent despite entering a rebuilding phase.
Highsmith’s Role and Recovery Timeline with the Nets
Highsmith, known for his defensive expertise and versatility, arrives in Brooklyn recovering from knee surgery, which means he likely won’t be game-ready until late October at the earliest. Despite the delay, the Nets see him as a valuable addition to a roster in need of defensive specialists, especially given the limited options of defensive wings such as Terance Mann and Ziaire Williams.
Adding Highsmith is expected to bring a veteran presence to the team, which also features a young and developing core. As Sam Vecenie observed on the Game Theory podcast,
“Both of (Highsmith and Mann) are good developmental pieces. They can help your younger players because they can take on those tough defensive assignments.”
—Sam Vecenie, Basketball Analyst
Impact on Playing Time for Rookies and Young Players
Though the trade has bolstered Brooklyn’s defense, it has raised questions about playing time distribution, especially for the rookie class slated to receive minutes this season. Highsmith’s capability as a reliable on-ball defender suggests he will earn significant playing time once healthy, likely taking minutes over younger wings such as Ben Saraf and Drake Powell.
Powell is regarded as a potential long-term asset at the wing position, but Highsmith’s immediate defensive skills and physicality give him the advantage in the current rotation. The Nets’ front office remains committed to using their G League affiliate to develop young talent, so rookies are expected to accumulate playing experience regardless of Highsmith’s role.
Vecenie added,
“Honestly, I think he’s probably better than Terance Mann right now. Highsmith can shoot; he’s a little bit more physical as a defender.”
—Sam Vecenie, Basketball Analyst
Strategic Benefits of Highsmith’s Signing
Highsmith is signed for just one season at a $5.6 million salary, which offers flexibility for the Nets’ coaching staff to deploy him heavily in games both to solidify the defense and potentially increase his trade value before the contract expires. His proven ability to contribute defensively and guide younger players could prove crucial in a challenging rebuilding season.
The acquisition reflects Brooklyn’s balance between developing young talent and contending with the realities of a transition year, bringing in a player capable of taking on key responsibilities while mentoring the next generation.
Sports editor Colin Simmons, covering the Nets’ roster moves, underscores how this move could reshape the team dynamics in the coming months as the Nets prepare for the 2025 season.