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Cleveland Cavaliers may have some explaining to do following Ty Jerome’s admission after signing elsewhere in the NBA

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 3:12 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers had another disappointing playoff performance a couple of months ago, falling to the Indiana Pacers in the second round.

Since then, the NBA Draft has taken place and free agency has begun. Cleveland’s biggest move so far has been bringing back sharpshooter Sam Merrill on a multi-year deal.

However, much of the focus this offseason so far has been on what the Cavs didn’t do—namely, re-sign point guard Ty Jerome, who was in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year.

Ty Jerome says he was never given the option to return to Cleveland

Following a contract year and the best season of his career, Jerome revealed on his Instagram story that he never had the opportunity to return to Cleveland. He went on to sign a three-year, $28 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, making the move to the Western Conference.

Via A To Z Sports

Cleveland traded Isaac Okoro to the Chicago Bulls for Lonzo Ball, who is expected to be the backup point guard. However, Ball’s ability to stay healthy has been a major concern throughout his career. Going from Jerome’s steady production to relying on Ball’s health is a questionable move, at best.

If the Cavs didn’t even offer Jerome a chance to return after the season he had, that’s a Cleveland problem—one that could become evident on the court next year. Jerome was a fan favorite for his timely buckets and the energy he brought to the team.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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