Jerome signaled which way he is leaning this summer.
Ty Jerome was the biggest surprise of the 2024-25 NBA season. It is so surprising, in fact, that the Cleveland Cavaliers have been wondering if they will have any chance of retaining the breakout Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
The Cavs signed Jerome to a two-year, $5 million dollar deal in the summer of 2023. This was a fair price point for a guard who was still searching for his home in the league. Jerome had spent time in the G-League and never fully broken into a consistent NBA rotation at that time.
Now? He’s one of the most important pieces to a 64-win team that has its eyes set on the NBA Finals. Jerome averaged career-highs across the board and has certainly earned himself a payday. Will he take it? Even if that means leaving Cleveland? Jerome signaled that’s something he’ll be reluctant to do.
“I don’t take any game for granted — ever. If we win a championship, if we don’t, still have to do it again next year. Even if I sign back here, and I don’t want to leave Cleveland, so if I get to come back here, I still have to do it again the next day and the next year.”
Jerome’s comments can be taken at face value. He’s enjoyed the best season of his career in Cleveland and would like to stay with the organization that helped him find his wings. It makes sense for both sides to agree on a deal and continue this partnership.
That’s the dream, at least.
The Cavaliers simply won’t be able to offer Jerome as much money as other teams. They’ll be capped at around $14 million per year, which could potentially fall well below what the market might give a 27-year-old point guard who just averaged 12.5 points off the bench with efficient shooting splits. Then again, the new CBA has made teams hesitant to limit themselves with big splashes in the offseason.
Only time will tell. No one would blame Jerome if he were handed an offer he can’t refuse. But the good news is — he’s already signaling where he wants to be. The Cavs may have a better chance of keeping Jerome than we thought.