The Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls made a one-for-one swap of former top picks who have displayed their talents, but are certainly flawed. The Bulls acquired Isaac Okoro, selected fifth overall in 2020, who has been an excellent perimeter defender but also never developed a reliable outside shot. The Cavaliers added Lonzo Ball, the second overall pick in 2017, who just hasn’t been able to stay healthy. While Cleveland is surely hopeful that Ball can remain on the court, they also re-signed Sam Merrill on Saturday to a four-year, $38 million deal. The trade and signing seemingly signal the end of their partnership with Ty Jerome.
With Cavaliers Moves On Saturday, Fan Favorite Likely Gone
Ty Jerome Expected To Leave The Cavaliers In Free Agency
The Cavaliers are slated to be a second apron team for the 2025-26 season. While that doesn’t preclude them from re-signing Jerome, it would be quite expensive to do so.
The full midlevel exception is worth $14.1 million. A recent report from Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst of ESPN stated that Cleveland was hoping to retain Jerome for a bit less. The two moves made on Saturday would lead an observer to believe that the Cavs either know that he won’t, or they just are aware that he isn’t coming back.
It’s a disappointing (likely) result for Cleveland fans that grew to love the soon-to-be 28-year-old (birthday is July 8). Jerome quickly became a fan favorite last season. The team now has Merrill back and added Ball, and they should be the first two backcourt members off the bench behind starters Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
Last Season Was A Breakout One
When it comes to most surprising 2024-25 seasons by a player, Jerome has to be near the top of the list. An ankle injury sidelined the 6-foot-5 guard for all but the first two games of the year in 2023-24. He wasn’t on the radar of most Cavs fans entering last season as someone who would make a large impact.
Make a large impact he did though. Cleveland’s 64-18 record was their second-best in franchise history, and Jerome was the spark plug off the bench for them. Last season, his sixth in the league, was a clear breakout one. Playing 19.9 minutes per contest in 70 games, he posted averages of 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals. He possessed excellent shooting splits of 51.6/43.9/87.2. The year culminated with Jerome finishing third in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
After a strong showing in Cleveland’s playoff sweep in the opening round over the Miami Heat, Jerome struggled in their five-game loss in the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. For the series, he averaged eight points on just 30% shooting from the field (25% from three-point territory).
While the Indiana series wasn’t Jerome’s best work, it shouldn’t dissuade suitors too much from wanting his services. Perhaps the 2019 first round pick will become a fan favorite for another team come next season.
Photo credit: © Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
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