Cavaliers Face Uncertain Ty Jerome Re-Signing Amid Garland Injury, Cap Challenges

The Cleveland Cavaliers face significant challenges in retaining backup guard Ty Jerome as he enters unrestricted free agency following a strong season that placed him third in Sixth Man of the Year voting. Jerome's market value is estimated around $12-14 million annually, near the non-taxpayer midlevel exception, but the Cavaliers' limited salary cap space and looming punitive luxury tax penalties complicate offering him a lucrative multi-year deal. With starting point guard Darius Garland sidelined by toe surgery, Jerome's potential departure would leave the team thin at the guard position, heightening the urgency of their decision. Malcolm Brogdon is being considered as a possible replacement due to his scoring and playmaking abilities, although his injury history remains a concern. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving is expected to decline his $42.9 million player option with the Dallas Mavericks but is likely to re-sign on a new multi-year deal despite an ACL injury that clouds the timeline for his return, especially following the departure of Luka Doncic which increases Irving's value to Dallas. Both teams must navigate complex roster and financial considerations around key guards as they plan for the 2025-26 NBA season.