The 2024-25 NBA season gave the Detroit Pistons plenty to be proud about, even if their playoff run ended earlier than expected. The Pistons won their most games (44) in nearly a decade, culminating in their first postseason appearance since 2018-19 — a feat that has left Motor City fans excited for what the future will bring.
After a successful campaign, the Pistons will be looking to get better to improve their chances of competing next season. The NBA offseason will provide avenues for Detroit to upgrade the roster, especially once free agency begins on July 6.
Pistons Reportedly Eyeing PG Ty Jerome Before Free Agency
With a handful of veteran guards set to hit free agency, the Pistons could be looking to replace any combination of Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schroder. Assuming one, two, or even all of those names leave, it sounds like Detroit already has its sights set on a potential replacement option.
With help from some sources, Hoops Wire's Sam Amico reported on Wednesday that the Pistons are "one team that could have interest in (Cleveland) Cavaliers free agent guard Ty Jerome." The veteran backcourt contributor is set for a pay raise after playing the last two seasons on a $5 million contract.
Jerome, 27, is a former 2019 first-round pick who's already played for four teams in his first six NBA seasons. Having said that, his breakout performance with the 2024-25 Cavaliers is a big reason why the Pistons — and other backcourt-needy teams — should be targeting the ex-Virginia Cavalier this summer.
Playing a career-high 70 games (3 starts), Jerome averaged personal-bests regarding points (12.5), assists (3.4), rebounds (2.5), and steals (1.1), all while shooting 51.6% from the floor and 43.9% from deep. He continued that success into the Cavaliers' postseason run, putting up 11.7 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game with .402/.389/.850 splits while averaging 21.2 minutes of playing time across nine appearances.
Assuming his performance wasn't a one-off, Jerome has the perfect tools to replace Hardaway or Beasley if either shooting guard leaves. The New York City native also has experience playing point guard minutes, meaning he can all fill in as Cade Cunningham's backup if Schroder opts for a fresh start elsewhere.
Pistons fans should have a better idea of Jerome's chances of moving to the Motor City closer to the start of free agency. NBA teams can begin negotiating with free agents starting on July 1, meaning the clock is ticking for the Pistons to figure out how they're going to lure the former 24th overall pick to Detroit.