Miami Heat Retain Kel'el Ware After Durant Trade Talks

Kel’el Ware, the Miami Heat’s promising 21-year-old center, has expressed determination to repay the team for their confidence in him after they made him off limits in trade talks for Kevin Durant, which led to Durant being traded to the Houston Rockets. Ware, who averaged 9.3 points and 7.9 rebounds as a rookie and eventually became a starter alongside Bam Adebayo, views the Heat's refusal to trade him as a strong vote of faith in his potential and development. Heat assistant coach Eric Glass and Alonzo Mourning have both highlighted Ware's significant progress and the franchise’s expectation for him to become a key player. Ware has spent the offseason focused on adding muscle, refining his skills, and preparing to dominate the upcoming Summer League as a demonstration of his growth. The Heat are clearly building around young talents like Ware and Tyler Herro as part of their long-term strategy following recent roster changes. Ware remains motivated by the belief the Heat have in him and aims to show the league he is a serious and impactful player.