Miami Heat Picks Up 2026-27 Rookie Options for Jaime Jaquez Jr. Kel’el Ware

The Miami Heat have exercised the rookie scale contract options on forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. and center Kel’el Ware for the 2026-27 NBA season, securing both young players as part of their ongoing youth movement. Jaquez, the 18th pick in the 2023 draft, is coming off a challenging second season but remains valued by the team, especially as guard Tyler Herro is expected to miss the start of the upcoming season due to ankle surgery, providing Jaquez with more playing opportunities. Ware, the 15th pick in the 2024 draft, had a strong rookie year earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors and is seen as a potential long-term building block for the franchise. Both players are under contract through 2026-27, with Jaquez set to become a restricted free agent in 2027 unless extended, and Ware having a further team option for 2027-28. The Heat now have nine players under contract for 2026-27, including veterans and young talent, as they prepare for a season without Jimmy Butler and with Herro sidelined early on. These contract moves do not impact the team's luxury tax situation but represent Miami's commitment to developing its promising young core.