As he faced several severe injuries over the last few seasons, Lonzo Ball received patience and commitment from the Chicago Bulls front office. They believed in him when the critics were loud, and Ball eventually returned to see an ovation and support from the Bulls' crowd.
The Bulls' front office recognized the affection their fans had for Ball, and with his valuable production still intact, he was signed to a two-year, $20 million extension in February 2025. He seemed to be going nowhere at a time when Chicago could have received a nice draft pick if they had shipped him.
However, the Cleveland Cavaliers made an unexpected call right before free agency, and before Ball knew it, he was traded to play next to Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and a first-seeded squad led by Kenny Atkinson.
BREAKING: The Chicago Bulls are trading Lonzo Ball to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaac Okoro, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/W0FTrRhe7y
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2025
Furthermore, with three insanely valuable veteran guards, the news that Ty Jerome, who is coming off a breakout season, signing elsewhere was indirectly guaranteed. Cleveland may want to keep him, but given his contributions in less than 20 minutes per game, it is reasonable that he will ask for a contract that falls outside their range.
That said, the Cavaliers' move for another guard suggests that the Clippers can speak with Ty Jerome and offer him the mid-level exception, as he will not be resigning to the team where his career broke out.
Ty Jerome should be on the LA Clippers' radar of pursuable backup point guards this summer
Although Chris Paul is the most logical option, the LA Clippers should not put all their eggs in one basket as they could be disappointed if he signs with the Los Angeles Lakers. He wants to join the Los Angeles culture, and the Clippers must realize the Lakers are just as fit for the 40-year-old veteran.
Moreover, Ty Jerome may be more expensive, but he is younger and would be perfect to keep with Ivica Zubac after the rebuild begins. Additionally, his impressive regular-season averages of 12.5 points, 3.4 assists, and 2.5 rebounds, shooting 51.6% from the field, would be inflated had his minutes been higher.
Jerome was also a beneficial piece to the Cavaliers' playoff run, as they may have lost, but he posted 11.7 points and 3.6 assists while shooting 38.9% from beyond the arc on 4.0 attempts.
Nonetheless, the Clippers have been waiting for someone young to join forces with, and Jerome is perfect at 27, given his prime, similar to Zubac's, has just begun.