Ex-Heat Center Gets Word On His Future With Bucks After Trade

The Milwaukee Bucks have exercised the fourth-year team option on center Kel'el Ware's rookie-scale contract, securing his future with the franchise through the 2027-2028 NBA season. The move guarantees Ware $7.14 million for that campaign. Alongside Ware, the Bucks also picked up the $4.02 million option for Kasparas Jakucionis, keeping both young players under contract through 2028.

Ware arrived in Milwaukee during the 2026 offseason as part of a blockbuster trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat. In exchange, the Bucks received Ware, Tyler Herro, Jakucionis, Jaime Jaquez, and draft compensation. Ware played two seasons in Miami and is currently averaging 13.0 points and 8.7 rebounds off the bench for Milwaukee.