Overview

• Jerome’s two-year contract expired after he averaged 12.5 points and 3.4 assists off the bench in 2024-25, earning Sixth Man of the Year finalist honors.
• By acquiring Lonzo Ball in late June, Cleveland filled a wing rotation spot even as those moves triggered second apron restrictions that bar further midlevel spending.
• With the opening of free agency on June 29, the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies have emerged as leading suitors able to offer the full midlevel exception.
• Orlando, Detroit, Brooklyn and Golden State also possess midlevel exception cap space and have been linked to Jerome as teams seek backcourt scoring and playmaking depth.
• Analysts Zach Lowe and Marc Stein cited the Clippers’ available midlevel room and the Grizzlies’ readiness to front a $14.1 million offer as logical fits for Jerome’s next contract.