Spurs stir confusion with free agency rumor that doesn’t match their direction

What is San Antonio's plan?
San Antonio Spurs, Brian Wright
San Antonio Spurs, Brian Wright | PATRICK T. FALLON/GettyImages

On Thursday, Chris Fedor of cleveland.com listed the San Antonio Spurs as a team to watch for free agent Ty Jerome (subscription required). The Cavaliers guard will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Cleveland wants to keep Jerome — and has his Early Bird Rights — but he will have other suitors after his career 2024-25 season. He averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 51.6% from the field and 43.9% from three. The Cavaliers are projected to enter the second tax apron, severely limiting what they can do trade-wise. They can re-sign their own free agents, but it will take Dan Gilbert's willingness to cut a luxury tax check.

Jerome prioritizes winning, so why wouldn't he consider playing for one of the most well-run organizations in professional sports alongside one of the best young players in the league? San Antonio is a top free-agent destination again.

However, it wouldn't make the most sense for the Spurs to seriously consider pursuing Jerome, given their established backcourt that could soon include Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick. Sure, Jerome's shooting would be nice off the bench, but there would be an influx of guards.

Spurs listed as team to watch for free agent Ty Jerome

San Antonio's draft lottery luck made many wonder if the team would trade the pick in a deal for a star, like Giannis Antetokounmpo, if he requested a trade. A few days ago, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that rival teams believe the Spurs will keep the pick and select Harper. The only thing that might alter the team from sticking with Harper is if Giannis hits the market, and even then, the Spurs could hesitate to go all-in.

Unless San Antonio's plans have changed, drafting Harper and signing Jerome in free agency would be a bit of a head-scratcher.

Jerome's free agency value dipped because of his poor showing in the Cavaliers' second-round loss to the Pacers. Fedor wrote that he spoke to an Eastern Conference executive who estimated the 27-year-old will make $12-14 million annually with his next contract. San Antonio is one of the teams that could afford that.

The odds are that Jerome will stay with Cleveland, but you can't rule out a team like the up-and-coming Spurs. Watching the next few weeks play out on the Jerome front will be entertaining, that's for sure.