Bucks decide to exercise options on two young players for next season

Options secure both players

The Bucks will exercise team options for Ware and Jakucionis for the 2027-28 season. Michael Scotto of Hoopshype reported the decision, citing league sources. Ware's option is valued at $7.14 million, while Jakucionis's is $4.02 million. Milwaukee acquired both players from Miami this offseason in the Antetokounmpo trade.

Ware makes early impact

In two seasons with Miami, Ware averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. He shot 54% from the field and 36.9% from three-point range. In Milwaukee, Ware is averaging 13 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 46.8% from the field off the bench. He has recorded three double-doubles in six games, though he is shooting 26.1% from three.

Jakucionis earns a role

Jakucionis averaged 6.2 points per game in his rookie season with Miami and made 42.3% of his three-point attempts. He appeared in 53 games before joining Milwaukee, where he took on a larger role after Kevin Porter Jr.'s departure.

Coming off the bench, Jakucionis plays 22.5 minutes per game and averages 8.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and four assists. His three-point shooting is 23.5%, and he has sometimes played late in close games ahead of starter Ryan Rollins.

Young core for Milwaukee

Ware and Jakucionis are 22 and 20, respectively. Coach Taylor Jenkins has given Jakucionis responsibility in key moments, while the two have connected on plays together. Ware's Miami tenure included concerns about effort, playing time and his fit with coach Erik Spoelstra. In Milwaukee, he has been productive early, though the article also notes occasional effort concerns.