The two pillars that Miami Heat has secured until 2027

The Heat have started to move ahead in their future planning. The Miami franchise decided to exercise the third and fourth-year options in the contracts of Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware, securing their salaries for the 2026/27 season. Both players were already committed for the upcoming season, but with this move, their contracts are now guaranteed for an additional year.

Jaquez, selected 18th in the 2023 draft, left a positive impression in his rookie campaign, finishing fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting. However, his prominence decreased in his second year, where he averaged 8.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in just over 20 minutes of play, spread across 66 games, 17 of them as a starter.

With this decision, the Mexican-American will earn 3.86 million in 2025/26 and 5.94 million in 2026/27, after which he will be eligible for a contract extension. If he doesn't sign before, he will enter restricted free agency in 2027.

Ware's Situation

Ware's case is different: the 21-year-old center, picked 15th in the 2024 draft, had a notable role from the start. He played 64 games, with 36 starts, and posted averages of 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 22.2 minutes per night. His performance earned him a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team and a sixth-place finish in the Rookie of the Year race.

The young big man will receive 4.44 million in 2025/26 and 4.65 million in 2026/27, with a fourth-year option of 7.14 million for 2027/28 which, as of today, seems like an inevitable move for Miami.

With this move, the Heat become the first team to exercise contract options for the 2026/27 season, beating the October 31 deadline. The decision not only provides stability to the young core of the team but also confirms the franchise's trust in two pieces that, in different roles, are set to be part of their medium-term project.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los dos pilares que se ha asegurado Miami Heat hasta 2027