Average of 8 points + 25% three-pointers, are the Cavaliers willing to give it?

In the second round of the NBA playoffs, the Cleveland Cavaliers lost 1-4 to the Indiana Pacers and stopped in the Eastern Conference semi-finals. This defeat not only ended the Cavaliers' dream of winning, but also pushed the team's substitute, Ty Jerome, to the forefront.

This popular candidate for the sixth man in the regular season, completely lost in the second round of the series, averaged only 8 points per game, and the three-point shooting percentage plummeted to 25%, and the offense and defense ends were useless.

Jerome was born in the regular season, playing 70 games, averaging 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game, shooting percentage of 51.6%, three-point shooting percentage of 43.9%, and free throw shooting percentage of 87.2%.

With his outstanding performance, he also entered the Best Sixth Man selection and eventually lost to the Celtics' Prichard, ranking second, but this is the greatest recognition of him. After entering the playoffs, Jerome continued his hot form in the regular season against the Heat in the first round, averaging 16.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game in four games, with a shooting percentage of up to 52.3%, and a three-point shooting percentage of 50%.

But after entering the second round, Jerome's halo suddenly faded. Except for the first game of the 5 games, the score was not double-point in the remaining 4 games. He averaged only 8 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, shooting 30% from the field and 25% from three-point shooting percentage.

Jerome's career is one of the most inspiring scripts in the NBA. In 2019, he was selected by 76ers with the 24th pick in the first round, and he was cut three times in four years and was on the verge of unemployment.

Joined the Cavaliers with a minimum salary of 5 million in 2023. After the season reimbursement of ankle surgery, the 2024-25 season ushered in an explosion, averaging 12.5 points and 3.4 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 51.6% + 43.9% + 87.2%, just one step away from the "180 Club".

It is precisely this performance that makes the Cavaliers management regard it as the core of the "bench bandit". Coach Atkinson even publicly supports it: "We need his mental resilience, and he will definitely get back his form."

But things went against my expectations, and Jerome's performance in the second round was not satisfactory. His current contract is $2.56 million and becomes a free agent this summer, while the Cavaliers have his early bird rights, and according to the rules, they can sign a four-year, $64 million contract.

But the second round was so bad, would the Cavaliers still be willing to give him this contract?