Philadelphia 76ers reportedly showing interest in two Miami Heat free agents

The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly in “talks” with wing Caleb Martin and forward Haywood Highsmith as they continue to work on completing their roster after making a splash in free agency with Paul George.

"The 76ers have also had discussions with Heat free agent Caleb Martin as they scan the free-agent market for options to fill their roster, according to a league source."

– Barry Jackson/Anthony Chiang of Miami Herald

ht: @Liberty_Ballers

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) July 3, 2024

Caleb Martin to the 76ers?

While the 76ers have already re-signed Kelly Oubre Jr, while adding Eric Gordon on a veteran minimum, along with drafting Jared McCain, it would be better to pair Tyrese Maxey with Caleb Martin.

Martin, a 3&D wing, has excelled with the Miami Heat, particularly during the 2023 playoffs. Last season, Caleb Martin averaged 10.0 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game, and 2.2 assists per game, on 34.9% perimeter shooting (3.6 nightly attempts).

While Martin’s shooting numbers aren’t outstanding, he is still better at making three-pointers than Kelly Oubre Jr, the projected starting shooting guard for the 76ers.

Caleb Martin is a strong defender who can guard the opposing team’s top wing player and use his experience in Miami to effectively defend in zone coverage and support weak-side drives.

Overall, Martin would complement Philadelphia’s new big three, as he can space the floor well and offer solid perimeter defense, especially during the postseason.

Caleb Martin in the 2023 ECF against the Celtics was special:

> 19.3 PPG
> 6.4 RPG
> 60.2% FG
> 48.9% 3PTpic.twitter.com/45iLkMh4LJ https://t.co/tmlwjK4nup

— NBA ATLAS (@NBA_ATLAS) September 27, 2023

If/when the 76ers get rid of Paul Reed’s $7.7 million annual salary, it would generate roughly $9 million in cap space, which could be enough to ink Martin to a multi-year deal. Still, the 76ers have a plethora of wings already so it may be a wise decision to fill an even bigger void on their developing roster.

Haywood Highsmith 76ers reunion?

With 10 players on the roster, the 76ers lack a true power forward, making it challenging to acquire one due to financial constraints. Haywood Highsmith could be a cost-effective solution for Philadelphia.

Highsmith began his NBA career with a two-way contract in Philly during the 2018-2019 season. He then played overseas for a few years before returning to the NBA with the Miami Heat, where he developed into a solid 3&D player and played significant minutes during Miami’s 2023 finals run.

___ when being guarded by Haywood Highsmith as their primary defender this season:

🔒Jayson Tatum: 1-6 FG (16.7%)
🔒Jalen Brunson: 3-9 FG (33.3%)
🔒SGA: 5-14 FG (35.7%)
🔒Paolo Banchero: 4-18 FG (22.2%)
🔒Mikel Bridges: 1-7 FG (14.3%)

They call him the locksmith for a reason. pic.twitter.com/VBFY09jzya

— HeatMuse (@Heat_Muse) April 9, 2024

Haywood Highsmith averaged 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and shot 39.6% from three-point range on 2.9 attempts per game.

On the 76ers, Highsmith is compared to Nicolas Batum or PJ Tucker because of his off-ball shooting from the corner and his versatile defensive skills, earning him the nickname “Locksmith” from Heat fans. He can defend multiple positions and switch off ball-screens.

Considering the market for 3&D wings/forwards, Haywood Highsmith could command anywhere from $6-10 million annually, and if the 76ers part ways with Paul Reed, acquiring Highsmith could become a real possibility.

Highsmith is not the best choice to start for a championship team, but acquiring him at a low cost and staying under the first tax apron will maintain flexibility at the trade deadline.

Mandatory Credit: (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)