NBA Notes: Heat, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Blazers, Scoot Henderson, Mavericks

Heat

The Heat continue to be viewed by many around the league as the frontrunner for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the Bucks superstar is fully convinced.

According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, Antetokounmpo has concerns about what Miami’s roster would look like after a blockbuster trade.

“The noise is tied to Miami,” Amick said on The Dan Patrick Show. “But there’s also some intel and understanding that Giannis has questions about what that Miami roster would look like on the other side of a deal.”

In other words, joining a preferred destination means little if the supporting cast is stripped away in the process.

Miami is widely expected to build any offer around players such as Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr., along with significant draft compensation. Bam Adebayo is generally viewed as untouchable.

Amick still believes a trade before the NBA Draft remains a realistic possibility. He also pointed to Boston as a team that continues to generate intrigue, while suggesting a surprise contender could emerge before all is said and done.

For now, the biggest question may not be where Antetokounmpo wants to go.

It’s whether that team will still look like a contender after acquiring him.

Trail Blazers

Scoot Henderson remains one of Portland’s most important long-term questions.

The former No. 3 overall pick will be eligible for a rookie-scale extension this offseason, but there’s no guarantee the Trail Blazers rush into a new deal, as outlined by Keith Smith of Spotrac.

Henderson showed encouraging signs late in the season and during the playoffs, but injuries limited his overall impact and questions remain about his outside shooting consistency.

Complicating matters is Portland’s crowded backcourt situation, particularly with Damian Lillard expected to return next season.

As a result, some around the league believe the Blazers could evaluate Henderson for another season before making a major financial commitment.

Trade speculation may follow, but for now, Portland appears focused on gathering more information before making a final decision.

Mavericks

Daniel Gafford isn’t interested in rushing back.

The Mavericks center told reporters this week that he’s continuing to rehab the ankle injury that lingered throughout much of last season and wants to make sure he’s fully healthy before resuming basketball activities.

“I don’t want to rush anything,” Gafford said, via Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News. “Whenever I get back on the court and do all the workouts, I want to be 100 percent healthy.”

The injury limited Gafford to 55 games this season, though he still provided solid production with 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.

Gafford also addressed the arrival of new president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri, saying he understands changes come with new leadership.

“It’s a business,” Gafford said. “I’m just sitting back and watching from afar.”