There is no clearer signal that a new era has arrived for the Memphis Grizzlzies than the move the front office just made to open free agency. By signing Ty Jerome to a three-year, $28 million contract, Memphis has shown that it is no longer interested in flying under the radar. The franchise is actively reshaping its roster around playmakers who bring more than just raw talent to the table. They brought in a guy who brings maturity, vision, and a sense of purpose to their already-talented core.
Jerome, who spent the past season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, was quietly one of the most respected backup guards in the league. And while some may scoff at labeling him “one of the biggest names in free agency,” the truth is that Jerome represents something far more valuable than star power. He represents fit, function and a plan for the future.
This is a player who has already proven capable of running an offense, spacing the floor, and playing unselfish basketball. He’s the kind of guard who elevates the players around him without ever needing to dominate the spotlight. For a team like the Grizzlies whose identity has been under construction the last couple of years, Jerome is exactly the kind of stabilizing force they needed.
Jerome is a fantastic addition for Memphis
The Grizzlies’ front office has taken some criticism in recent years for failing to complement Morant with the right backcourt pieces. Tyus Jones is long gone. Marcus Smart, while tough and respected, never quite clicked the way the team hoped. And with no more Desmond Bane, it had become clear that Memphis needed a true table-setter to unlock the best versions of everyone else. Jerome is not just a plug-in, he's a connector.
What makes this deal even more impressive is the value. A $28 million total commitment over three years for a 27-year-old guard who's currently in his prime is the kind of savvy move that championship-caliber front offices make. It is the kind of move that suggests the Grizzlies are no longer trying to simply survive the Western Conference. They are trying to compete in it once again.
Memphis will still need to make more moves this summer. Depth is still an issue, and health will always be a concern until proven otherwise. But this is a start. And with this confident move, the Grizzlies just reminded the Western Conference that they are far from finished.