Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome has played a total of 15 minutes this season in two games. It’s now unclear when he’ll have the chance to appear for the Cavs.
Per an announcement from the team on Thursday, the 26-year-old Jerome has been ruled out indefinitely after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his injured right ankle. The surgery, per the team, was performed by Dr. David Porter in consultation with Cavaliers team physician Dr. James Rosneck at Forte Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Indianapolis. Surgery, the team said, “was the best course of action to heal the affected area.” Jerome is now considered to be out indefinitely.
Jerome was hurt in the Cavs’ home opener and has not appeared in uniform since. After spending last year with the Golden State Warriors, Jerome signed a two-year deal with Cleveland in the summer. He is making $2.4. million this year and $2.5 next year; both years are guaranteed.
With Jerome out (and the team dealing with Darius Garland’s broken jaw and Ricky Rubio’s retirement), Craig Porter Jr. has filled in as the team’s backup point guard when the team opts to play one at all. Jerome, had he been healthy, would have been slotted to be in that role as a combo guard more than a traditional point guard.
Aside from when he’ll actually be healthy, the biggest question surrounding Jerome is his future with the Cavs. As of Jan. 15, he is eligible to be traded and could be used in any possible deals Cleveland is looking to make ahead of the 2024 trade deadline. His salary alone is not enough acquire a difference making player, but could be used by the team to get to a salary number at a level that matches up with a quality player on the market.