Ty Jerome‘s impending free agency has been a topic of discussion within the Cleveland Cavaliers fan base in recent weeks. Jerome was among the best backup guards in the NBA this summer. However, Cleveland may be forced to let him walk in the coming months.
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Jerome could land with the Sacramento Kings ahead of next season. Pincus envisions the Kings using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to acquire the impressive veteran.
“The Cavaliers need to make several difficult decisions this summer. Jerome was an integral part of the team’s regular-season success. Unfortunately, the group underperformed in the postseason,” Pincus explained. “Cleveland has one of the heaviest payrolls in the league. That’s before considering Jerome, who will seek as much of a raise as he can muster.”
Jerome was a core part of Kenny Atkinson’s second unit. His performances saw him finish third in the Sixth Man of the Year voting, behind Malik Beasley and Payton Pritchard. In 70 games, Jerome averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists and 2.5 rebounds. He shot 43.9% from 3-point range and 57% from two-point range on the season.
Jerome Wants to Stay With Cavaliers
In a recent interview with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Jerome made it clear that he wants to remain with the Cavaliers.
“I think I have an amazing situation here with a coaching staff that empowers me and a team that empowers me,” Jerome told HoopsHype. “Obviously, I’d love to be back. We’ve just got to see how it plays out.”
Unfortunately for Jerome, the Cavaliers’ cap situation will dictate whether or not he remains with the franchise moving forward. Cleveland is already facing a significant payroll and may choose to look elsewhere for a backup ball-handler to help keep costs down.
Cavaliers Urged to Target Lonzo Ball
If Jerome does leave the Cavaliers this summer, Ethan Sands of the “Wine and Gold Talk” podcast believes the front office should look at acquiring Lonzo Ball via trade.
“I don’t think you understand how good this offense would flow with Lonzo Ball as an offensive facilitator and as a defensive stopper,” Sands said. “He is the ideal backup point guard for this role..You get the passing of Tyrese Haliburton, and you get the defense of Alex Caruso. Not to mention his penetration is so good. Getting a foot in the painted area and then kicking out and his speed up and down the court. He’s one of my favorite players to just watch.”
Ball recently signed a two-year $20 million extension with the Chicago Bulls. The second year of that contract is a team option. Nevertheless, the Bulls could be open to trading the injury-prone guard. Chicago already has a surplus of ball-handlers on the roster.
If healthy, Ball would be a strong addition to the Cavaliers. His playmaking and defense would plug two legitimate gaps in the rotation. Ball previously missed two full years of basketball with a persistent knee injury before returning to Chicago’s rotation last season. Cleveland would need to feel very confident that Ball’s injury issues are behind him before sitting down at the negotiating table.
After all, the best ability is availability, especially on a roster trying to contend for championships.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Cavaliers Guard Predicted to Join Kings in Free Agency appeared first on Heavy Sports.