Haywood Highsmith has finally said his goodbyes to the Miami Heat.
One moment Haywood Highsmith was negotiating a jersey swap with new Miami Heat signing Norman Powell.
The next moment he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, in a move that stirred some reaction from his former Heat teammate Jimmy Butler.
The Heat traded Highsmith and a 2032 second round pick in exchange for a protected 2026 second round pick.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesHaywood Highsmith breaks silence on exit
It is almost a full three weeks since Haywood Highsmith was traded away by the Miami Heat in mid-August.
And it seems like it took the 28-year-old a little while to digest the deal.
Highsmith finally broke his silence with a post on Instagram to begin September on a new slate.
His full message included a message to his new team the Brooklyn Nets too.
“Miami!!!!…… it’s been an awesome 4 years! Thank you to the Heat organization, my teammates, the coaching staff, and every fan who cheered me on — your support means the world and being a part of it all has been an unforgettable experience.
“You gave an undrafted kid from Baltimore a chance and I’m forever grateful for the journey, challenges, and growth I’ve experienced here. Miami will always have a special place in my heart.
“With that being said I’m excited for this new chapter with the Brooklyn Nets Organization.”
Responses to Haywood Highsmith
Another player to leave the Miami Heat this offseason was Duncan Robinson, who will represent the Detroit Pistons in the 2025-26 season.
Robinson wrote in response to Highsmith’s post: “Proud of u lil bro,” while current Heat player Terry Rozier left a simple ‘heart emoji’.
The Miami Heat feed left a response reading: “All love, H!”.
Highsmith stays in the East with a young rebuilding Brooklyn squad, that is an unknown quantity heading into the new season, with low expectations.