Even though the Detroit Pistons have already begun their offseason, the NBA playoffs are in full swing. One of the most exciting postseasons of all time, there has been plenty of drama already, with road teams winning all five games in the second round so far. Perhaps none has been as surprising as the series between two Central Division rivals of the Pistons.
After a historic regular season and a sweep of the Miami Heat in the first round, the Cleveland Cavaliers lost their first two home games of the series to the Pacers, digging themselves a big hole. If they end up losing earlier than anticipated, there will be some soul-searching and changes in Cleveland.
One of those changes will involve their pending free agents. Ty Jerome, their backup point guard who just had a breakout campaign this season, is a free agent this summer. The Detroit Pistons should make him one of their top FA priorities.
Ty Jerome Is the Perfect Free Agent Target for the Detroit Pistons
Jerome came out of nowhere this season to become one of the best backups in the league in his age-27 season. He averaged 12.5 points and 3.4 assists on an impressive 64.3% True Shooting in 20 minutes per game. He has had to play a larger role in the last few games in Darius Garland's absence and struggled immensely, finishing Game 2 with two points on 1/14 shooting from the field.
Considering how expensive a team the Cavs are going forward, having to pay Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley over $132 million for next season, Cleveland may be fine letting Jerome walk, rather than giving him an eight-figure annual salary.
The Pistons, on the other hand, should be thrilled to give a multi-year deal to Jerome. Detroit is in dire need of more shot creation, especially when Cade Cunningham is on the bench. Jerome can create for himself and others, and can run the bench units as he did all season for the Cavaliers.
Jerome is not the defender Dennis Schroder is, but he can also be an insurance, at least on the offensive end, for the veteran guard if he were to leave in free agency. If he ends up being cheaper than Schroder in free agency, the Pistons should seriously consider Jerome as a younger, more budget-friendly alternative to the German guard.