Nets acquire Haywood Highsmith from Heat

The Brooklyn Nets acquired forward Haywood Highsmith and a 2032 second-round draft pick from the Miami Heat in exchange for a 2026 second-rounder that's protected from the 31st overall pick to the 55th selection, the Nets announced Friday.

Highsmith spent the last four seasons with the Heat, averaging 5.5 points and shooting 37.5% from deep across 213 appearances, including 80 starts. The 6-foot-7 forward developed into a solid defender under Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra.

Highsmith recently underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He's expected to miss 8-10 weeks, which could put him in danger of missing the Nets' season opener.

Highsmith is entering the final season of a two-year, $10.8-million contract. The move puts the Heat $4 million below the luxury tax and $9.5 million under the first-apron hard cap, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn is now $22 million under the salary cap and has until Oct. 21 to reach 90% of the salary cap, adds Marks.