According to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, the Cleveland Cavaliers may be forced into a situation where they are obligated to re-sign Ty Jerome due to the latest Darius Garland news.
On Monday, fans learned of Garland’s toe surgery that will require him to be out four-to-five months. This will see him miss the beginning of the regular season.
With no Garland, they’ll be without their top point guard. If Jerome leaves in free agency, then they’ll be without their second-best point guard. Overall, this is something Cleveland doesn’t want to have happen.
Vardon says the Cavaliers may feel pressured into giving him a considerable contract to have him stay and help lead the offense in the absence of Garland. There is also sense where they must do it following the outstanding season he is coming off of.
Jerome was a critical piece to their roster, as he was one of their top facilitating play-makers and one of the best sixth men in the league. Losing a player like him would instantly hurt Cleveland.
Despite the team owning his Early Bird rights, it will still cost Cleveland a significant chunk of change with them heading into the Second Apron trenches. The extensions of Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell both kick into effect next season.
What gets crazier is knowing just those two represent 30% of their cap space. If they re-sign Jerome to a solid multi-year deal, then they’ll be well beyond the second-apron threshold.
For them to feel some relief, the Cavaliers would need to salary-shedding moves through releasing or trading players.
Currently, Jerome is attracting his own market as one of the top players eligible to be signed in free agency. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Orlando Magic have been reportedly interested in signing the 27-year-old.
