Heat sign former Indiana center Kel'el Ware to rookie-scale contract

Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware, the 15th pick in the 2024 NBA draft, signed his rookie-scale contract with the organization on Monday, the team announced.

He will make $3,526,500 next season as the 15th pick.

Ware was named to the All-Big Ten second team last season as a junior at Indiana after averaging 15.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.5 assists on 58.6% shooting from the field. He was one of two players in the conference to average at least 15 points and nine rebounds.

The 7-footer led the Big Ten in rebound percentage (26) and finished second in rebounding, field-goal percentage and double-doubles (15). He was fifth in blocks and 12th in scoring.

The Heat were linked to several big men throughout the predraft process and locked in on Ware in the first round. He will give the team another presence in the post with his size and ability to protect the rim, which intrigued All-Star Bam Adebayo.

Ware is expected to suit up with the Heat in summer league. The team will begin with three games in the California Classic starting on Saturday and then play at least five games in the NBA Summer League beginning July 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 20-year-old will likely be joined by second-round pick Pelle Larsson and two-way contract players Keshad Johnson, Zyon Pullin and Dru Smith, among others.