Ty Jerome Reportedly 'Longshot' to Land Pistons Contract amid NBA Free Agency Rumors
As the Detroit Pistons look to keep building following a terrific 2024-25 season, one free agent who doesn't seem to be on their list is Ty Jerome.
Per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Jerome is considered a "longshot" to sign with the Pistons because he's not viewed as a good fit for their roster.
"Coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s defense-first play style doesn’t suit Jerome’s game and the Pistons are widely expected to prioritize free agent Malik Beasley," Fedor wrote.
Sam Amico of Hoops Wire originally cited the Pistons as a team that could have interest in Jerome.
It's a connection that does make some sense. Detroit head coach J.B. Bickerstaff coached Jerome during the 2023-24 season with the Cavs, though Jerome was only available for two games due to an ankle injury.
The Pistons could also need a three-point shooting specialist if Beasley walks. He turned out to be a great bargain addition for the club last offseason after signing a one-year, $6 million contract.
Beasley averaged 16.3 points on 41.6 percent three-point shooting in 82 appearances this season.
Jerome is coming off the best season of his career. The 27-year-old averaged 12.5 points per game on 43.9 percent shooting from three-point range. His performance in the postseason may have knocked his free-agent value down, particularly in the Cavs' second-round loss to the Indiana Pacers.
In five games against the Pacers, Jerome averaged 8.0 points on 30.0 percent shooting. Those numbers are even a bit deceiving because he scored 21 points on 8-of-20 shooting in Game 1, then had a combined 19 points on 7-of-30 shooting over the next four games.
Beasley and Jerome finished second and third, respectively, in Sixth Man of the Year voting this season. Payton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics won the award.
If the Pistons are unable to retain Beasley, Jerome wouldn't be a bad replacement if they wanted to sign him. They could also have higher aims depending on how the market plays out with up to $19 million in cap space available and coming off a surprise 44-38 record this season.
