5 Heat players who won’t be back next season after playoff defeat

Haywood Highsmith

Haywood Highsmith will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Though the Heat would like him back, Highsmith will be free to seek a larger offer from another team.

Based on Highsmith’s play this season, it would be surprising if that larger offer didn’t come. There will be several teams looking for a rangy defensive wing who shot nearly 40% on 3s this season, which could put the Heat at risk of losing Highsmith.

But Highsmith should command a cheaper contract than Martin, and fitting him into the cap will be easier. If the Heat are forced to choose between Martin and Highsmith for payroll purposes, they could go with Highsmith, who is a year younger and showed quite a bit of improvement this past season.