Warriors sign back veteran Jerome? Or compete with 5 teams with an estimated annual salary of 12 million-14 million

On May 23, Beijing time, according to the Cavaliers' report from Fedor, in addition to the Cavaliers, the Warriors, Spurs, Mavericks, and Nuggets are also potential suitors for guard Jerome. An Eastern Conference executive predicts that Jerome's annual salary in the free agent market is expected to be in the range of $12 million to $14 million. This season, Jerome's annual salary is just $2.56 million.

Altman, the Cavaliers' president of basketball operations, has expressed a desire to re-sign Jerome in the offseason. Although the Cavaliers expect their salary to surpass the second-tier next season, the team could use Jerome's "early bird right" to complete a contract extension.

However, the cost of keeping Jerome is still very high due to the luxury tax penalty. Jerome averaged 12.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game this season while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 43.9 percent from three-point range, ranking third in the Sixth Man of the Year award.

Jerome's annual salary in free agency could reach $12 million to $14 million, as Eastern Conference executives predicted, making him a target for a team with a full mid-range exception ($14.1 million) this summer. Fedor noted that despite Jerome's breakthrough performances last season, he was seen as a substitute rather than a starter, especially in the Cavaliers' second-round series against the Pacers, where he became a weakness on the defensive end. That positioning could limit the 27-year-old's salary cap to some extent and reduce the likelihood that he will be awarded a contract beyond the mid-range.

Fedor mentioned that the Warriors, Spurs and Mavericks are all potential suitors for JeromeThe Nuggets are also interested, but salary space issues may keep them out of the race, the source said. Unless the Mavericks make layoffs and take a pay cut, they may also be restricted.

Jerome played for the Warriors in 2022-23, playing in 45 regular-season games for the Warriors, averaging 18.1 minutes per game, contributing 6.9 points and 3 assists.

The Pistons may need to add staff in the backcourt (Schroder and Beasley will enter free agency), but a source close to Jerome said the Pistons may have "little hope." According to Fedor's analysis, the Pistons are expected to prioritize the renewal of Beasley, and Jerome's style may not fit into head coach Bickerstaff's "defense first" tactical system.

Fedor pointed out that if Cavaliers owner Gilbert is willing to pay a hefty luxury tax and Jerome doesn't receive a contract that is much higher than the Cavaliers' offer, the contract extension is not a surprise — the veteran guard knows he's in an ideal position at Cleveland.