Ty Jerome played a key role for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season.
He was projected to be their most important free agent, and some speculated they would go to great lengths to try to keep him around.
That wasn’t the case.
He signed a three-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies early in free agency, and the Cavs pivoted towards Lonzo Ball shortly after.
Notably, that’s why team insider Terry Pluto believes the Cavs didn’t fully commit to bringing him back:
“The Cavs didn’t make a serious effort to sign Ty Jerome. The guard who had a surprising 2024-25 season signed a three-year, $28 million contract with Memphis. That is less than projected, some ‘experts’ believing Jerome’s deal would be closer to $45 million for three years,” Pluto wrote.
Jerome had a breakout season in the first year under Kenny Atkinson’s tutelage, and his free-agency market was projected to be more lucrative.
The Cavs could’ve made numbers work to keep him around at that price, especially if they intended to trade Isaac Okoro anyway.
Perhaps they weren’t that sold on Jerome as they reported.
He struggled mightily in the playoffs, so that may have also cost him some money in free agency.
It goes without saying that Ball is a huge upgrade not only over Jerome and Craig Porter Jr. but also over almost every single backup point guard in the league.
There will always be major concerns about his health, and the fans will hold their breath every single time he falls down.
But if he can stay healthy, he can be the kind of pickup who could turn a good team into a great one.
His playmaking skills and his defense were just what the doctor ordered for this team, and it shouldn’t be long before he becomes a fan favorite.
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