Haywood Highsmith Emerges as High-Value Buyout Option for Contenders
Haywood Highsmith, the 6'5" wing coming off meniscus surgery, has become one of the more intriguing midseason additions on the buyout market. Waived shortly after the trade deadline, he figures to draw interest from several playoff teams — and the New York Knicks are among the teams that could benefit most if they move quickly.
Why Highsmith is suddenly available
Highsmith’s availability is rooted in timing and health. He missed the start of the season while recovering from right meniscus surgery and was included in a post-deadline roster move that ultimately led to his release. That combination — a player with a desirable skill set who is temporarily on the shelf — tends to create a flurry of late-February and March activity as contenders hunt for affordable depth.
3-and-D profile that fits contention rosters
Standing 6'5" and weighing roughly 220 pounds, Highsmith checks the traditional 3-and-D boxes. Across his most recent healthy seasons he developed into a reliable outside shooter, converting near 39 percent from distance in the two seasons before this year and showing strong corner accuracy. He also has the physicality and mobility to match up on wing scorers, having been deployed defensively on a variety of opponents in his time with Miami.
Health timeline and return to action
Highsmith has not yet appeared this season as he completes his meniscus recovery, but the expectation is that he will be cleared for 5-on-5 work and come off the shelf quickly. Teams monitoring his progress believe a mid-February return to game action is realistic; that window would still give a contending club valuable regular-season and playoff availability if a deal is struck before March.
Competing suitors and the market landscape
Every championship-caliber roster values floor-spacing wings who can defend multiple positions, and Highsmith’s profile fits that need. Expect several playoff teams to explore a low-cost add once he clears waivers, particularly clubs that have struggled with perimeter shooting or that need versatile defensive wings. The cost is minimal — essentially a roster spot and short-term contract — which makes him an attractive, low-risk purchase for teams looking to round out their rotations.
Why the Knicks should be aggressive
For New York, the calculus is straightforward. The starting wings are largely accounted for, but bench wing minutes are unsettled. The team could use someone who can defend bigger guards and wings, hit corner threes without much ceremony and slide into multiple lineups. Highsmith brings those traits and a proven track record of fitting into role-specific assignments without demanding playmaking touches.
What signing would mean for the rotation
Adding Highsmith would not rewrite the Knicks’ ceiling, but it could stabilize late-game bench lineups and reduce defensive mismatches when starters rest. He would compete for minutes with existing depth pieces and could push for consistent rotation time if his recovery holds up. For a small investment, the upside is a steady, positionally versatile perimeter defender who can stretch the floor — the type of complementary player that matters in postseason series.
In short, Haywood Highsmith represents a classic buy-low buyout target: rehabilitated, cheap, and tailor-made for teams that prize defense and corner shooting. If he’s cleared to play and teams move decisively, he could be one of this season’s quieter but impactful midseason additions.
