NBA Roundup: Jazz Extension Talks with Walker Kessler Stall; Tyler Herro Targets 8–12 Week Recovery; Rockets Opt for Point-Guard Committee Approach
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Jazz
Utah and fourth-year center Walker Kessler have met several times during the offseason but are not expected to finalize a rookie-scale extension before opening night. Team planning sources indicate the Jazz prefer to carry Kessler’s projected $14.9 million cap hold into next summer, maintaining flexibility that would disappear with a richer new deal.
Kessler acknowledged during Media Day that negotiations “haven’t gone as smoothly as I hoped.” He said he does not want contract talk to distract the team once the season begins but admitted he would be “a little frustrated” if no agreement is reached. League observers believe the 22-year-old center is seeking a long-term package that could approach—or even exceed—nine figures.
Executive Austin Ainge reiterated Utah’s intention to keep Kessler for the long term, whether by extension now or through restricted free agency in 2026.
Heat
Guard Tyler Herro said Monday that his recovery from surgery to correct posterior impingement syndrome in his left ankle is now pegged at eight to twelve weeks, stretching past earlier estimates. The procedure was performed earlier this month.
Herro, who hopes to beat the timeline, told reporters he expects to have stitches removed within a week and is already ahead of schedule regarding swelling. “I told Spo that I’ll be back in six weeks,” he added, smiling in reference to head coach Erik Spoelstra.
Rockets
With Fred VanVleet sidelined by a torn ACL, head coach Ime Udoka plans to distribute point-guard duties rather than appoint a single replacement. Udoka said the role will be handled “by committee,” citing Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard and Aaron Holiday as primary options.
The team had already intended for Thompson and Sheppard to grow into lead-guard responsibilities; VanVleet’s absence accelerates that plan. Udoka added that Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant will also help initiate the offense more frequently.
Source: Hoops Wire
