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Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III, second from left, is helped off the floor by teammates (Image via AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
The Golden State Warriors are hovering around the .500 mark in the Western Conference as of February 2026. They are still competitive but no longer dominate games the way they did during their championship years.
With the playoff race tightening, the team is expected to look for steady role players who can strengthen the rotation without changing the core.Haywood Highsmith has become available at the right time. He was traded from Miami to Brooklyn in 2025 and waived by the Nets in early February 2026, which makes him an unrestricted free agent once he clears waivers. Jimmy Butler is already in Golden State after a multi-team deal in February 2025 that sent Andrew Wiggins to Miami. If the two reunite, it would happen in Golden State rather than Miami.
The most realistic paths for Golden State Warriors
Haywood Highsmith’s status means the Golden State Warriors do not need a traditional trade.
Option 1 - Direct signing
Golden State could use a mid-level exception or a veteran minimum contract to sign him after waivers clear. No players would need to be moved.
Option 2 - Claim and trade
Another team could claim Highsmith and quickly trade him to the Warriors for a protected second-round pick or cash. Golden State would still avoid giving up important pieces.
Why the move makes sense
Golden State Warriors
Highsmith is a 6’7” wing who can defend multiple positions, hit open threes, and move without the ball.
During recent playoff runs with Miami, he played about 25-30 minutes per game while averaging roughly 10-12 points and 4-5 rebounds, shooting between 35% and 37% from three.
Haywood Highsmith of Miami Heat (Image via Getty)
He already knows Butler’s style, which could help with lineup adjustments. The Warriors rely on veterans such as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford, and Butler, along with younger guards like Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, and Moses Moody.
Highsmith would give them another dependable defender and a steady option late in games.
Jimmy Butler
Butler has often played well with disciplined role players. Highsmith understands defensive schemes and physical play, which could help lower Butler’s workload as he works back from a torn ACL ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Haywood Highsmith
After being waived, joining a contender gives him immediate relevance and could improve his next contract.
Golden State’s wing depth suggests he would compete for regular minutes rather than sit at the end of the bench.
Miami Heat
Miami already moved Highsmith’s contract and shifted toward a group led by Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Norman Powell, and Tyler Herro. His next team does not affect their direction and keeps minutes open for younger wings such as Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Pros and cons of adding Haywood Highsmith
Pros • Can guard positions two through four • Reliable outside shooting that helps spacing • Playoff experience and comfort in a roleCons • Recently had meniscus surgery and may need time to regain form • Does not create much offense for himself or others • Could tighten an already competitive wing rotation
Stat tables and demographics
Golden State Warriors’ current core (2025-26)
| Player | Age | Position | Key 2025-26 stats (per-game, approx) | Notes |
| Stephen Curry | 37 | PG | 25–27 ppg, 5–6 apg, ~43% 3PT | Primary scorer, gravity engine |
| Jimmy Butler | 36 | SF/PF | 20.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.9 apg, 51.9% FG | Elite two-way, currently out with ACL tear |
| Draymond Green | 35 | PF/C | 7–8 ppg, 7–8 rpg, 6–7 apg | Defensive anchor, playmaking hub |
| Kristaps Porzingis | 30 | C | 18–20 ppg, 7–8 rpg | Floor-spacing big, injury-prone |
| Brandin Podziemski | 22 | SG/SF | 12–14 ppg, 5–6 rpg | Young two-way wing, improving shooter |
Haywood Highsmith profile
| Metric | Value (approx) | Notes |
| Age | 28 | Prime role-player age |
| Height / Weight | 6’7”, ~215 lbs | Prototypical 3-and-D wing |
| 3-PT % (last 2 seasons) | 35–37% | Reliable catch-and-shoot threat |
| PPG (recent seasons) | 10–12 | Efficient off-ball scorer |
| RPG | 4–5 | Solid rebounder for a wing |
| Playoff experience | Multiple deep runs with Miami | High-level postseason pedigree |
Miami Heat current roster (2025-26)
| Player | Age | Position | Salary (2025-26) | Role |
| Bam Adebayo | 28 | C/PF | ~$37M | Defensive anchor, primary big |
| Andrew Wiggins | 30 | SF | ~$28M | Two-way wing acquired from Warriors |
| Norman Powell | 32 | SG | ~$20M | Veteran scorer off the bench |
| Terry Rozier | 31 | PG | ~$26M | Starting-caliber guard |
| Davion Mitchell | 27 | PG | ~$11M | Defensive-oriented guard |
| Simone Fontecchio | 30 | SF | ~$8M | Floor-spacing wing |
| Jaime Jaquez Jr. | 24 | SF | ~$3.9M | Young two-way wing |
| Nikola Jovic | 22 | PF | ~$4.4M | Project big with shooting |
My final thoughts on this deal if it goes through
If Golden State signs Highsmith at a reasonable number, the risk is low. The team would add a dependable wing without giving up important assets. Butler would have a familiar teammate, Highsmith would join a competitive roster, and Miami would continue forward with its current group.
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