NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets forward Haywood Highsmith was one of a few players that the organization traded for over the course of the 2025 offseason amidst the early stages of the rebuild. Highsmith established himself as a contributor during his time with the Miami Heat and while he is recovering from knee surgery, he should be taking the floor for Brooklyn soon enough.
“Right now, I’m like 6-and-a-half weeks out or surgery so [I’ve] just been doing some light jogging, spot-shooting, little movements and workouts, not 100%, light contact,” Highsmith said during Media Day. The Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds reported after Brooklyn acquired Highsmith from the Heat via trade that he would likely not be 100% ready to go until sometime in October after having surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee.
“The plan for me is to be ready for the start of the regular season,” Highsmith continued before giving a preview of his role with the Nets. “I just want to come to this organization really try to help [head coach] Jordi [Fernandez] and build a culture. Be a vet in the locker room. I’m one of the older guys like you said. Help these rookies out, teach them how to be a pro, show what I’m about.”
Highsmith, 28, is coming off a 2024-25 season in which he averaged 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 45.8% from the field and 38.2% from three-point land in 74 games for the Heat. Highsmith comes to a Nets team will be looking to him to continue providing the shooting and defensive ability that earned him a spot in Erik Spoelstra’s rotation in the first place. Highsmith wants to do more than that, however.
“Playing defense, being competitive, being a dog, being a hard hard worker and just proving that I’m more than just a 3-and-D player on a very good team,” Highsmith explained. “I feel like I got more to me and I love this new opportunity for me.” Whenever Highsmith is able to return from his injury, he will be looking to prove himself for a Nets team looking for multiple players to take that next step forward.