{"id":48417,"date":"2025-05-21T21:49:11","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T21:49:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/48417\/"},"modified":"2025-05-21T21:49:11","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T21:49:11","slug":"san-antonio-spurs-in-the-drivers-seat-for-ty-jerome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/48417\/","title":{"rendered":"San Antonio Spurs in the Driver\u2019s Seat for Ty Jerome"},"content":{"rendered":"

After being a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year Award for the 2024-25 season, Ty Jerome<\/a> might be one of the most coveted free agents on the market. The Cleveland Cavaliers had the luxury of having Jerome on a minimum contract for the 2024-25 season. Yet, after a strong season, he is due for a raise<\/a>. And now, it looks like the San Antonio Spurs are interested in getting him.<\/p>\n

San Antonio Spurs in the Driver\u2019s Seat for Ty Jerome<\/p>\n

For the Spurs, Ty Jerome is a natural fit alongside their core of Victor Wembanyama<\/a>, Stephon Castle<\/a>, and whoever they add via draft or trade this summer. The Sixth Man of the Year finalist shot 43.9% from behind the arc this season. On top of that, he is a decent defender and can even play small forward when needed to. Playing alongside Wemby, Jerome might have even more open looks.<\/p>\n

The latest reports are that Jerome is Spurs-bound, but let\u2019s wait until free agency to see what happens. One thing is certain: he will not play for $2.5 million this season.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s growing chatter linking Ty Jerome to the Spurs in 2025 free agency\u2014but don\u2019t count out Cleveland just yet. While Jerome\u2019s 2-year deal expires this summer, the Cavs may explore re-signing him on a team-friendly deal, especially if they trim salary to stay under the second\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/yKKsTahmIv<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 SpursR\u039ePORT\u039eR (@SpursReporter) May 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

What Can the Spurs Offer?<\/p>\n

Right now, the Spurs have $145 million in committed salary<\/a> for the 2025-26 season. That is without counting their first-round pick and re-signing Chris Paul<\/a>. In any case, they will have plenty of money to spend. The Spurs are one of the few teams that might have cap space this summer.<\/p>\n

The salary cap<\/a> will rise by 10% next season, meaning it is projected at $154 million, and the luxury tax at $187.9 million. The Spurs are a long way from that. They are one of the few teams that can offer to sign Jerome with their cap space, beating any mid-level offer he might get.<\/p>\n

Why the Cavs Might Have to Let Jerome Go<\/p>\n

The Cleveland Cavaliers had the luxury of having Jerome on a minimum contract. Sadly, due to Evan Mobley<\/a> winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award, they might be unable to re-sign their best bench player.<\/p>\n

Because Mobley won the DPOY award<\/a>, his salary for next season rises to 30% of the cap to $46.3 million. Their projected salary<\/a> for next season is $217 million. That puts them over the second apron, meaning they cannot use the mid-level exception, and can only offer minimum contracts. The Cavs would love to shed some salary<\/a>, but the only plausible way is trading Isaac Okoro<\/a>, Max Strus<\/a>, or Dean Wade<\/a> to a team with cap space that can absorb their contracts. There are very few teams that can offer that, and the Cavs have to add some sweeteners to that deal. Right now, they do not control their first-round<\/a> pick until 2030.<\/p>\n

On top of that, they added De\u2019Andre Hunter<\/a> at the trade deadline. He might be their replacement for Jerome for next season.<\/p>\n

Jerome will have plenty of suitors. This season, he averaged 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 51.6% shooting. He almost made it to the 50\/40\/90 club, but he was not as good from the free-throw line. In the playoffs, his numbers dropped, but he was still good for 11.7 points on 38.9% shooting from behind the arc.<\/p>\n

\u00a9 David Richard-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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