Kel'el Ware Speaks on Trade Rumors Amid Uncertain Miami Future

The Heat forward addresses his status as the trade deadline approaches.

Feb. 14, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Miami Heat forward Kel'el Ware has been the subject of trade rumors as the NBA's trade deadline approaches. Ware, who is averaging 11.3 points and 9.2 rebounds this season, expressed his desire to remain with the Heat, saying he will "control what I can control" and continue to play hard. However, Ware was recently on the receiving end of an embarrassing play when teammate Bam Adebayo accidentally dunked on him during a game against the Washington Wizards.

Why it matters

Ware's future with the Heat remains uncertain as the team navigates the trade market. His comments suggest he hopes to stay in Miami, but the team's willingness to keep him could depend on his continued production and development. The Adebayo dunk incident also highlights the challenges Ware faces as he tries to solidify his role on the team.

The details

Ware, who is in his second NBA season, has been a solid contributor for the Heat this year. However, with the team involved in trade rumors, his future in Miami is unclear. Ware addressed the situation, saying he will "control what I can control" and continue to play hard, while expressing his desire to remain with the Heat. In a recent game against the Wizards, Ware found himself on the wrong end of an embarrassing play when teammate Bam Adebayo accidentally dunked on him. Adebayo immediately apologized to Ware in the locker room after the game.

  • Ware's comments about his uncertain future came as the NBA trade deadline approached on February 14, 2026.

The players

Kel'el Ware

A second-year forward for the Miami Heat who is averaging 11.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per game this season.

Bam Adebayo

A teammate of Kel'el Ware on the Miami Heat who accidentally dunked on Ware during a game against the Washington Wizards.

Miami Heat

The NBA team that Kel'el Ware currently plays for, whose future plans for the player remain uncertain.

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What they’re saying

“Just control what I can control. Go out there and play. If it happens it happens. If not I'm just going to continue to play. Yeah I feel like anybody would hope to stay with their current team.”

— Kel'el Ware, Miami Heat Forward (Twitter)

“Boy, yeah, he's not in here. Yeah. Hey, listen. Oh, yeah. They should be put through. I never... I don't know, I don't dunk on my teammates in the game like that.”

— Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat Center (Twitter)

“I was in a good place, I was going to grab the rebound... he doesn't even crash... then the unfortunate happened”

— Kel'el Ware, Miami Heat Forward (Twitter)

What’s next

The Heat will need to decide whether to keep Kel'el Ware or explore trade options before the upcoming deadline.

The takeaway

Kel'el Ware's uncertain future with the Miami Heat highlights the challenges young players face in establishing themselves in the NBA, as trade rumors and on-court mishaps can threaten their standing with the team. Ware's comments suggest he hopes to remain in Miami, but the team's plans for him remain unclear.