NBA Notes: Jazz, Walker Kessler, Heat, Tyler Herro, Rockets

Jazz

Walker Kessler’s contract situation remains unresolved as the regular season approaches.

Apparently, the Jazz and their fourth-year center have held multiple meetings this summer but are not expected to reach an agreement on a rookie scale extension before opening night.

The primary holdup isn’t necessarily a lack of interest from Utah — it’s cap planning. By letting Kessler hit restricted free agency in 2026, the Jazz would carry a manageable $14.9 million cap hold into next offseason, preserving flexibility.

A new deal would likely carry a significantly higher first-year salary and would immediately replace that cap figure.

Kessler admitted at Media Day that negotiations haven’t gone as smoothly as he hoped.

“I don’t want to talk about it after today, just because I think during the season … I don’t want it to be a distractor for me or for my teammates,” he said, per Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune. “But that being said, I’m definitely a little frustrated with how …” he trailed off, before finishing, “… if I don’t (receive an extension).”

Larsen adds that Kessler and his camp are believed to be seeking a long-term deal “approaching or perhaps even eclipsing” nine figures.

Jazz executive Austin Ainge reiterated the organization’s desire to keep Kessler long term, whether through an extension now or down the line.

Heat

Tyler Herro’s recovery from ankle surgery may extend beyond initial projections.

The Heat guard told reporters Monday that he’s now targeting an 8–12 week timeline after undergoing surgery earlier this month to address posterior impingement syndrome in his left ankle, per Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel.

“I’ll be back in the next eight to 12 weeks,” Herro said. “Should be a full recovery. Right now, I’m ahead of schedule as far as the swelling. I should get the stitches out in the next week.”

Herro added that he’s pushing to return even sooner. “I told Spo that I’ll be back in six weeks,” he said with a smile.

Rockets

With Fred VanVleet out due to a torn ACL, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka isn’t handing the point guard duties to just one player.

“A committee, all of the above,” Udoka told reporters, per Danielle Lerner of The Houston Chronicle.

Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard and Aaron Holiday are all expected to take on larger on-ball roles.

The plan for Thompson and Sheppard was already to grow into lead-guard responsibilities — VanVleet’s absence simply accelerates the process.

Udoka also noted that Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant will help initiate the offense more often.