With Darius Garland injured, Jerome scored 21 factors on 20 pictures in Recreation 1, then went 1-for-14 in Recreation 2 and was the defender who misplaced observe of Tyrese Haliburton on the Pacers’ recreation winner. Jerome obtained off to a different gradual begin in Recreation 3, capturing 1-for-8, and at that time coach Kenny Atkinson had seen sufficient. Jerome played just 13 minutes, by far his lowest total of the postseason, as Sam Merrill passed him on the depth chart. By Game 5, Jerome couldn’t get off the bench until the second half. Already going through monetary pressures as a projected second apron crew subsequent season, the Cavaliers would possibly now conclude that Jerome isn’t value retaining if he can’t even keep on the ground of their most necessary video games. And Jerome’s struggles within the playoff stress cooker may additionally scare off potential suitors who would in any other case be all for seeing what he may do with extra touches. -via ESPN / Might 14, 2025