NBA Notes: Heat, Andrew Wiggins, Thunder, Nikola Topic, Bulls

Heat

Miami explored plenty ahead of last Thursday’s deadline. It just didn’t like what it was hearing.

According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, the Heat were not offered a first-round pick for Andrew Wiggins, Norman Powell, or Tyler Herro.

Jackson adds that Miami could’ve landed a pair of second-rounders in a Wiggins deal, but the front office didn’t see enough upside there to justify moving him.

As for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami remains interested. That hasn’t changed. What did become clear, however, is that Milwaukee wasn’t exactly open for business.

Jackson reports the Bucks simply rejected Miami’s offer without presenting a counter or outlining what it would take to move Giannis. No back-and-forth. No negotiating lane.

The Heat only had two tradable first-round picks at the deadline, but Jackson says there was a path to acquiring a third and Miami was willing to do it if that’s what it took. Even then, it wouldn’t have been enough.

Thunder

Monday marked a significant milestone for Nikola Topic.

After missing his entire rookie season with a torn ACL and then undergoing treatment for testicular cancer this fall, Topic made his G League debut Monday with the Oklahoma City Blue. The 20-year-old Serbian finished with seven points and seven assists in 16 minutes.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault didn’t downplay what it meant.

“Great accomplishment,” Daigneault said, via The Associated Press. “His mental toughness, maturity, resilience. He hasn’t played much basketball in two years, goes through rehab, then chemotherapy. For him to get back on the court is unbelievable.”

Bulls

More help is coming for Chicago’s backcourt.

According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Josh Giddey and Tre Jones are expected back shortly after the All-Star break. Both guards are running at full speed and doing three-on-three work, per coach Billy Donovan.

With the Bulls evaluating several new pieces, there’s no rush. But reinforcements are close.