In the NBA, midseason acquisitions are frequently romanticized beyond their actual impact. Rarely do legitimate contenders find game-changing talent via the waiver wire. However, a few exceptions exist, and Haywood Highsmith could be one. The New York Knicks should prioritize signing him, aiming to replicate the success they found with Landry Shamet.
This comparison, it’s important to note, doesn’t suggest Highsmith and Shamet share similar playing styles. Instead, it highlights the circumstances of Shamet’s initial arrival in New York and the reasons for Highsmith’s current availability.
The Brooklyn Nets released the 29-year-old wing not long after the trade deadline. Once he clears waivers, the Los Angeles Lakers are already identified as a potential suitor, and they certainly won’t be the only team interested.
At 6’5”, Highsmith presents legitimate “three-and-D” capabilities, suggesting he could secure a spot in the Knicks’ rotation, even if the team is at full strength. This, of course, relies on his own health.
Highsmith’s absence this season, due to recovery from right meniscus surgery, explains why he’s currently on the market. However, as the Knicks learned from their experience with Shamet, such injury concerns shouldn’t necessarily deter them.
Haywood Highsmith: An Ideal Match for the Knicks
While OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart occupy most of the Knicks’ starting wing minutes, there’s a noticeable void of consistent talent coming off the bench. Shamet isn’t physically large enough to consistently play wing, and rookie Mohamed Diawara’s role in the rotation is often inconsistent.
Even if Highsmith isn’t the biggest wing, he has consistently taken on significant defensive assignments. During his tenure with the Miami Heat, he was tasked with guarding a diverse range of elite offensive players, from Trae Young and Anthony Edwards to Cade Cunningham and Jayson Tatum.
Furthermore, he has recently developed a dependable three-point shot. In the two seasons before the current one, he shot an impressive 38.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Such a blend of defensive accountability and shooting proficiency is rare, even in limited roles. Across the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, Highsmith ranked in the 93rd percentile or higher for time spent defending opponents’ highest-usage players, and 77th percentile or higher for three-point accuracy. Only one other player with comparable minutes achieved this feat, per BBall Index: Lu Dort.
Knicks Gain Flexibility to Acquire Highsmith
By effectively substituting Guerschon Yabusele’s contract with that of the newly acquired Jose Alvarado, the Knicks now find themselves approximately $1.1 million below the second apron. This financial maneuvering provides them with the necessary flexibility to extend an end-of-season contract.
If Highsmith isn’t already their top target, it’s hard to imagine who else would be.
The addition of Alvarado lessens their demand for a guard, and even without him, their primary guard target is already unavailable. Furthermore, the buyout market is notably thin on quality wings. Highsmith stands out as the sole viable option, unless one has a particular affinity for players like Nigel Hayes-Davis or Pat Connaughton.
Consequently, the Knicks will face a challenge in securing Highsmith. If the rumors regarding his imminent return to play prove accurate, he will be a highly sought-after player. Teams like the Lakers, for instance, might be able to offer him more guaranteed playing time.
However, New York possesses two compelling arguments that few other teams can match: the promise of a top-nine rotation spot on a legitimate championship contender, and concrete evidence of their success in revitalizing veteran careers, as demonstrated by Landry Shamet’s resurgence.