The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly leading the pursuit of free agent guard Ty Jerome, as indicated by analysts Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. Jerome, coming off a breakout season, faces a challenging market due to his high salary demands. This situation appears to push him out of reach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are nearing the second apron in salary cap limitations. Consequently, Jerome is likely to explore opportunities with other teams, with Memphis now emerging as a frontrunner.
The key factor in this potential signing revolves around how much the Grizzlies are willing to invest in Jerome, who is looking for a contract that would begin at approximately $14.1 million, aligning with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Meanwhile, Memphis has been strategizing to maintain financial flexibility, especially with the intentions of renegotiating and extending the contract of Jaren Jackson Jr. Additionally, they aim to match any offers for restricted free agent Santi Aldama, which could complicate any prospective deal for Jerome.
In recent developments, the Grizzlies have reportedly been exploring trade options for guard Cole Anthony, whose $13.1 million salary could facilitate a sign-and-trade arrangement, potentially allowing Memphis to acquire Jerome.
This pursuit not only highlights Memphis’s ambition to bolster its roster but also reflects a careful balance in managing salary cap implications. The potential addition of Jerome could significantly enhance the Grizzlies’ backcourt depth while still allowing them to maintain their long-term financial objectives. As negotiations continue, fans can remain hopeful about the team’s strategic moves that could lead to a stronger season ahead.