After months of trade buzz, locker room drama, and back-office headaches, it seems like the Miami Heat have now finally moved on from Jimmy Butler‘s chapter. And guess what? They may have found Butler’s perfect replacement at an unexpected price! A former Dallas Star believes the 2024 NBA draft gave the perfect answer to the big question: How will the team perform without Jimmy Butler?

Let’s rewind for a second. Jimmy Butler’s time in Miami was electrifying to watch, no doubt! But with the heat, there came severe storms, too. He had started making noises in the off-season about requesting a trade to the Phoenix Suns. Of course, the drama dragged on for weeks. Butler, at 35, demanded a two-year, $113 million extension that Miami didn’t want to entertain. Of course, his talent was undeniable, but his long absences from the game each season and off-court dramas meant he was walking on thin ice.

The Heats suspended Jimmy thrice for his continued disregard for team rules, intentional withholding of services, and walking out of practices. The saga went on until Miami decided to trade Jimmy to the Golden State Warriors on the deadline day. After off-loading the six-time All-Star, all the eyes were on the present roster of players to replace Jimmy and potentially rebuild the team again. The question remained: Who would fill Jimmy’s boots?

Enter Kel’el Ware, the rookie Heats drafted in the 15 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. According to Ex-Mavs Star Chandler Parsons, The 20-year-old player is athletic and has a lot of raw talent and untapped skills. “Moving off a guy like Jimmy Butler, the Heat are gonna need all hands on deck. This kid is definitely a building block of the future.” – Chandler said.

According to him, it was important for the Miami-based outfit to get rid of their biggest distraction. Now the franchise is on the path to rebuilding with fresh building blocks – a younger roster. Kel’el Ware, at 7 feet tall brings a fresh vibe to the team. And that’s not the only upside to him.

Kel’el Ware: The Heat’s Rising Star?

Ware’s four-year rookie deal was a meek $20.4 million. Now do the math yourself – that’s $93 million less than Butler’s ask. For pennies on the dollar, Miami gets a disciplined and talented player to pair with Adebayo. And the $93 million in savings gives the Heat extra flexibility in a league dominated by a salary cap. This financial flexibility comes as a player who’s fresh, athletic, humble, and coachable – everything that Jimmy stopped being in his final year in South Beach. Miami didn’t just dodge a financial bullet, they found a gem that’s already turning heads.

In a few months, Kel’el Ware has displayed his rare mix of size, agility, and shooting touch. He’s averaging solid minutes off the bench and his regular minutes show the trust he has gained from the coach. In pairing him with Adebayo, there’s a twin-tower duo that’s tough to crack.

Ware’s work ethic and attitude too have drawn positive reviews. Coach Erik Spoelstra loves the commitment to his development and teammates praise his humility. Kel’el has got tools to dominate both ends as a modern-day player who can stretch the floor and protect the rim. That’s rare.

With Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo, and now Ware, Miami’s creating a young, exciting core. Life after Jimmy doesn’t have to be gloomy, it might just be golden. With the proper exposure to Heat and pressure, Miami is gunning to form a diamond out of Kel’el Ware.