Golden State Warriors’ point-guard plans disturbed by rival signing

After a rollercoaster 72 hours, Ty Jerome’s career at the Golden State Warriors has ultimately come to an end. The 25-year-old point-guard has signed a two-year, $5 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Initial reports earlier in the week suggested the Warriors were allowing Jerome and Anthony Lamb to become unrestricted free agents, but that changed when the franchise offered him a qualifying offer on Thursday ahead of free agency.

Ty Jerome’s departure from the Golden State Warriors means they may have to scour the free agent market for a third-string point-guard.

Extending the qualifying offer was a clear indication that Golden State had planned on retaining Jerome to be an important third point-guard behind veteran duo Stephen Curry and Chris Paul.

Instead, Jerome departs the franchise after one season on a two-way contract. Although a restricted free agent, the Warriors have no capacity to match the Cavaliers’ deal according to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater.

Earning a two-way deal just before the start of the season, Jerome played 45 games and averaged 6.9 points, three assists and 1.7 rebounds per game, shooting a highly-efficient 48.8% from the floor, 39.1% from beyond the arc, and 92.7% from the free-throw line.

The Warriors’ need for another playmaker slightly dissipated on Friday with the quick re-signing of forward Draymond Green to a new four-year, $100 million contract. However, the front office may still need to look for another primary playmaker, or risk the injury issues that may come with the 35-year-old Curry and 38-year-old Paul.

Ironically, Jerome’s best game of the 2022-23 season came in Cleveland on January 20. The 6’5″ guard had 22 points and eight assists on 9-for-13 shooting and 3-for-4 from deep, helping an undermanned Warriors to a surprise win.