Before the Cleveland Cavaliers can begin making moves to improve the current roster, they must make a decision regarding Ty Jerome‘s future with the franchise. The veteran guard is heading into unrestricted free agency.
Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale recently made the bold prediction that Jerome would re-sign with the Cavaliers.
“As an Early Bird free agent, Ty Jerome’s max deal from the Cleveland Cavaliers tops out around four years and $64 million,” Favale wrote. “That should be enough to lock him down. But the Cavs actually have to offer it. That’s not a guarantee…Maybe team governor Dan Gilbert takes the one-year hit. Even if he doesn’t, Darius Garland is expected to miss the start of next season following big toe surgery. That increases the importance of bringing back Jerome—even if it requires offloading other salary.”
Jerome finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting this past season. He has proven himself within Kenny Atkinson’s rotation. Cleveland needs a steady hand in the backup guard position. Perhaps eating the luxury tax penalties will be worthwhile, especially if Jerome can reproduce what he gave the Cavaliers off the bench.
Ty 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.”
Jerome played in 70 games for Cleveland last season. He averaged 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, shooting 51.6% from the field and 43.9% from 3-point range. The Cavaliers will struggle to find that level of production on the free agent market. However, Koby Altman must weigh up that level of production against the associated cost of keeping Jerome around long-term.
Kings Could Target Jerome In Free Agency
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Jerome could land with the Sacramento Kings ahead of next season.
“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.”
Losing Jerome would be a blow to Cleveland’s chances of contending next season. The front office would need to find and acquire a high-level replacement. Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul are both free agents this summer. Either veteran could fill some of the void. Nevertheless, Jerome is a proven commodity within Atkinson’s system, making him harder to replace.
The second luxury tax apron is having a restrictive effect on multiple NBA teams. Cleveland appears to be among those feeling the pinch. Unfortunately, Jerome could be allowed to leave to keep the luxury taxes under control. If that does happen, Cleveland should push for a sign-and-trade deal.
At least that way, they will receive some form of asset in return for losing an important piece of the rotation.
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