Miami Heat Could Reportedly Lose Key Player In Free Agency

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, a key Heat player will have interest from teams around the NBA.

Nov 9, 2018; Miami, FL, USA; A detailed view of the special Miami Heat Vice Nights logo on the court prior to the game between the between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Haywood Highsmith has become a productive role player for the Miami Heat over the previous few seasons.

This past year, he averaged 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists per contest while shooting 46.5% from the field and 39.6% from the three-point range in 66 regular season games.

Highsmith will be a free agent this summer, and Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (via Locked On Heat, Miami Heat Podcast) reported that he will have interest from teams around the NBA.

Scotto: "I would say Haywood has a lot of interest around the league from teams, because of the prototype that he fits. A 3&D guy, shot 40% this year from three, which is a high watermark for teams around the league."

Scotto also went on to talk about his defense.

"Haywood [Highsmith] has a lot of interest around the league." - @MikeAScotto

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— Locked On Heat | Miami Heat Podcast (@LockedOnHeat) May 31, 2024

Highsmith has played part of four seasons in the NBA for the Heat and 76ers.

His career averages are 4.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per contest while shooting 44.3% from the field and 36.8% from the three-point range in 144 regular season games.

He has also appeared in 31 playoff games and was with the Heat when they reached 2023 NBA Finals.

Apr 9, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith (24) shoots against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Arthur Hill of Hoops Rumors noted that the luxury tax could play a role in the Heat being able to re-sign Highsmith.

Just how Haywood Highsmith drew it up 🎯

Nets-Heat is live in Q1 on the NBA App.

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— NBA (@NBA) January 8, 2023

The Heat are coming off a season where they were the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

They lost to Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA playoffs (in five games).