The Atlanta Hawks have already taken a major step forward to become a threat in the Eastern Conference. With the addition of Kristaps Porzingis, the return of Jalen Johnson, and the weakened competition, the Hawks should have as good a chance as anybody to be a top-four seed.
If GM Onsi Saleh were to make one or two more home run deals, the Hawks could feel better about their chances. One of their more obvious needs is a backup point guard. Fortunately for them, an ideal target may have become more acquirable in free agency.
Ty Jerome May Now Be More Acquirable for the Atlanta Hawks
On Saturday, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Lonzo Ball and re-signed Sam Merrill in quick succession. These moves mean that free agent Ty Jerome is unlikely to return to Cleveland as Ball will take his rotation spot, and Merrill will squeeze the team financially.
Jerome, after having a career season in Cleveland, will now hit the open market and get a big payday. The Hawks, looking for another shot creator when Trae Young is unavailable, should pursue the 27-year-old UVA product.
His defensive and physical shortcomings make Jerome not a perfect fit next to Young. Two undersized point guards in the backcourt is not a winning recipe for long stretches, but Jerome was able to make it work in limited minutes alongside Darius Garland in Cleveland. If Jerome carries the offense on second units for 15 minutes per game, while playing another 5-10 minutes next to Young, he would easily be worth around $10 million per year.
Jerome was one of the most efficient bench players in the league last season, scoring 12.5 points per game on ridiculous 51.6/43.9/87.2 shooting splits. While he is certainly a regression candidate, he is one of the best backup guards on the market and is worth a flyer for the Hawks.