What to know about Kel'El Ware, intriguing center traded from Heat to Bucks

Nobody in the deal is likely reach Antetokounmpo’s heights, but there is some talent landing in Milwaukee.

Kel’El Ware probably has the most untapped potential of those incoming pieces. Here’s what to know about him.

He turned 22 years old on April 20.

The center is 7 feet tall. His biggest physical tool is his 7-feet, 4-inch wingspan that allows him to be a finisher at the basket and a rim-protector and rebounder on defense.

Ware hails from Little Rock, Arkansas. Interestingly, that city’s most famous hoops export – and its biggest proponent – is Bobby Portis Jr., who also was included in the trade. Portis has talked about giving advice to Ware and Nick Smith Jr., another Little Rock product who has played for the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets.

Yes, Ware has confirmed that his mother named him after Superman’s birth name, Kal-El.

Ware was a consensus top-10 recruit in the 2022 class coming out of North Little Rock High School.

Ware landed at Oregon, but he had a disappointing freshman season in 2022-23, averaging just 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.

Ware hit the transfer portal and moved to Indiana for the 2023-24 season, where he played for then-Hoosiers coach Mike Woodson. Indiana had a disappointing season, but Ware played much more to his potential at 15.9 points and 9.9 rebounds.

The Heat made Ware the 15th pick in the 2024 draft.

Ware was named to the NBA’s all-rookie second team in 2025 after averaging 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds.

Ware boosted those numbers to 11.1 points and 9.0 rebounds last season. He has notched career highs in rebounds (20 vs. Cavaliers) and points (28 vs. Knicks).

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Kel’El Ware, center traded from Heat to Bucks