The Phoenix Suns have waived Haywood Highsmith, Kennedy Chandler and Phillip Wheeler, the team announced Oct. 17.
The Suns had waived Highsmith earlier this summer, but they then re-signed him to a one-year deal for $3 million, Highsmith’s agent Jerry Dianis confirmed back in August.
Chandler and Kennedy were training camp invites. NBA teams have until 5 p.m. ET Oct. 19 to finalize their rosters that can have up to 15 players on standard deals and three on two-way contracts.
The 2026-27 season begins Oct. 20. The Suns open on the road Oct. 21 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Phoenix initially landed Highsmith last season after the Brooklyn Nets waived him before the trade deadline. He was coming off knee surgery in August 2025 to repair a right
meniscus tear he suffered while training in his hometown of Baltimore.
Highsmith was with the Heat at the time of the surgery. Miami traded him to Brooklyn.
The 6-foot-6 forward played just seven games for the Suns last season as he hadn’t fully recovered from the knee injury. He averaged 5.4 points and 1.9 rebounds.
He entered training camp this summer healthy.
"That was the goal, to be ready for training camp, the preseason. Put in a lot of work."
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 15, 2026
Haywood Highsmith after Suns preseason loss to Spurs.
On playing non-traditional 5: "If Coach wants me to go out there and play it, I'll play it." #Suns pic.twitter.com/1TLSGstU0m
“That was the goal, to be ready for training camp, the preseason,” Highsmith said after the preseason road loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 14. "Put in a lot of work."
Highsmith averaged three points in four preseason games as he didn’t see any action in Phoenix’s final preseason game Oct. 16 against the Utah Jazz at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns waive 3 players after final preseason game
