Amid ongoing trade rumors to begin NBA Free Agency, the Miami Heat are a team that’s been heavily criticized for their lack of moves to begin the offseason.

In a blockbuster trade reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania less than two weeks ago, the Phoenix Suns sent Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in return for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the no. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The Heat, who were pegged as a potential landing spot for the 2x MVP, missed out on the sweepstakes, leaving both fans and analysts alike skeptical of what their future looks like.

Despite failing to get a deal done thus far, the Heat made it abundantly clear that Kel’el Ware is a cornerstone of their future by leaving him out of trade talks for Durant.

In an article shared by Heat reporter Ira Winderman, the standout center expressed his gratitude Pat Riley and the Heat’s decision.

Ware stated, “It made me feel the Heat wanted me and they want to see how far I can get in the future and how my development goes. That makes me want to show them what I can do and how far I can go.”

Drafted 15th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Ware is coming off a remarkable rookie season in which he averaged 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in 64 appearances, 36 of which were starts.

His immense appreciation for the Heat’s front office underscores his desire to get better and make a significant impact on winning in the 2025-26 season.

With the Heat currently being linked to two All-Stars in Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard, acquiring guards who can score at an efficient clip could perhaps unleash Ware.

As the Heat look to build around stars Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo in pursuit of reemerging as contenders in the Eastern Conference under Erik Spoelstra, all eyes will be on Ware to see if he can build off his tremendous rookie season and develop into a star.