Casper Ware shuns historic United offer to join Andrew Bogut’s Kings

Casper Ware rejected the “biggest offer” in Melbourne United’s brief NBL history to sign with arch-rivals Sydney Kings and join Andrew Bogut in the Harbour City.

Casper Ware shoot over Jerome Randle in the NBL finals last season.Picture: Getty

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Casper Ware rejected the “biggest offer” in Melbourne United's brief NBL history to sign with arch-rivals Sydney Kings.

The Kings revealed the free agency coup which will see Ware, 28, link up NBA champion Andrew Bogut in the Harbour City.

But United, now flush with funds to spend on an import guard, remains bullish about building a squad capable of winning another title.

United chief executive Vince Crivelli thanked Ware "genuinely" for his services the past three seasons.

"We made him the biggest offer we could possibly make him... while Casper has been great for our club we simply couldn't match the offer the Sydney Kings have made," Crivelli told the Herald Sun.

Casper Ware shoot over Jerome Randle in the NBL finals last season.Picture: Getty

"We accept that... he will always be a championship-winning point guard for the club.

"Now, to us, he's the opposition and we'll go on our merry way and continue a search for the players that make up the team that we hope can battle off for the championship."

The 28-year old Ware led United to the NBL championship in 2017-18, and capped off stellar season last year averaging 18.8 points and 4.4 assists to earn third consecutive All-NBL First Team honours.

Ware, who is currently playing in Poland, will join the Kings in coming weeks.

"I'm really happy to be joining the Kings," Ware said.

BREAKING 💥💥💥

The Sydney Kings have made a statement to the league by acquiring the signature of import point-guard Casper Ware on a multi-year deal.

Full details: https://t.co/XbAutb4JmO pic.twitter.com/wPf6uPHJbr

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) April 11, 2019

Club statement on the news of Casper Ware's departure today
READ: https://t.co/1gYJZ2tqRh #WeAreMelbourne pic.twitter.com/l9rzwr4p0h

— Melbourne United (@MelbUnitedHQ) April 11, 2019

😬👑 https://t.co/Rp8SsdaqpG

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) April 11, 2019

"It was a big decision I had to make, but this is a new challenge for me and I’m excited to get stuck into it.

"I’ll always respect the time I had in Melbourne because of winning a championship there, but with (Kings coach) Will (Weaver) and Andrew and the roster they are putting together at Sydney, I’m excited about what’s ahead."

Kings coach Weaver, who replaced Andrew Gaze in the off-season, spent time with Ware at the Philadelphia 76ers previously.

Casper Ware (C) and Andrew Bogut (L) will form a formidable team. Picture: Brett Costello

"It's a rare privilege to team up again with one of the most enjoyable people I've ever coached," Weaver said in a statement.

"Clearly, adding a player of Casper's calibre is exciting for our team but we are equally pleased to benefit from his competitiveness, character, and selfless mindset.

“The best players always want great teammates so his choice to become a King is also a compliment to the men on our roster and a reflection of our commitment to provide Sydney with a team it will rally around.”