Miami Heat move Haywood Highsmith to Brooklyn for a 2032 second-round pick, trimming the luxury tax and creating a trade exception of roughly 5.6–6 million to chase another piece. The deal signals Miami’s willingness to pivot around Bam Adebayo by increasing his load and testing him as a clear number-one option, with Butler’s absence during the offseason opening room for Bam to grow into a lead role. On the Golden State side, Steph Curry’s confidence rides on a veteran core and a potential midseason push as Kuminga and Draymond Green mature into a bigger presence. The Warriors’ lineup questions linger around cap space and health, while Miami’s depth should keep Terrance Roier and Wiggins as flexible assets. A separate Nuggets note closes the night: the Rocky mascot controversy casts a unique branding lens on Denver’s franchise, underscoring the quirks of NBA business beyond the court.