Marcus Sasser #25 of the Detroit Pistons guards Ty Jerome #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Utah Jazz have emerged as a team to watch in free agency as guard Ty Jerome hits the open market following a career-best season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, league sources told RG.
Jerome averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists and shot 51.6% from the field in 70 games last season for Cleveland, including over 40% shooting from beyond the arc. He also played well in the postseason, averaging 11.7 points and 3.6 assists on 50% shooting, including 46.7% from three.
The Cavaliers would surely like to keep Jerome, especially with Darius Garland expected to miss the start of next season following toe surgery. However, the signs increasingly point to Cleveland preparing for his departure.
After drafting former Duke guard Tyrese Proctor with the No. 49 pick, Cleveland traded for Lonzo Ball ahead of free agency, sending Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls in a one-for-one swap. Ball returned to the court in 2024–25 after missing two full seasons due to knee injuries, appearing in 35 games. His addition gives the Cavaliers another option in the backcourt if Jerome were to depart.
Even before the deal, Cleveland faced steep financial challenges. The Cavaliers are projected to carry a $216 million payroll and sit above the second tax apron. Re-signing Jerome would trigger a substantial number of additional luxury tax penalties.
That has created an opportunity for other teams, and Utah has positioned itself as a legitimate suitor. The Jazz remain in the market for backcourt help this offseason. After selecting forward Ace Bailey with the No. 5 pick in the NBA Draft—passing on Jeremiah Fears, whom they were high on throughout the pre-draft process—Utah has left open a pathway to add a guard via free agency.
Jerome, 27, is coming off a season in which he was a finalist for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. His efficiency, poise and ability to play both guard spots have made him one of the more attractive mid-level candidates.
The Jazz finished with a league-worst 17–65 record, but came away with the No. 5 pick despite having top odds to win the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Utah is motivated to improve offensively, and Jerome fits that goal as an efficient, steady playmaker.
The Jazz also have internal decisions to make with their current backcourt. Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson are entering the final year of their contracts and are considered trade candidates to monitor this summer, sources tell RG.
A contending team seeking an instant scoring punch would be the strongest fit for either Sexton or Clarkson, and Utah has explored scenarios. The Jazz will be a team to keep an eye on ahead of free agency as a result.
Grant Afseth is a Dallas-based basketball writer with over eight years of experience covering the NBA. He’s spent time on the Mavericks beat for Sports Illustrated and now writes for Sportskeeda.com and DallasHoopsJournal.com. Known for his analysis, engaging interviews, and breaking news coverage, Grant provides a fresh angle to the game.
