The Cleveland Cavaliers want to re-sign Ty Jerome this offseason. The Cavaliers would also like to retain Sam Merrill, if possible. The challenge for Cleveland is that their payroll is already extremely high without either free agent guard in the fold.
The Cavs project to open the offseason approximately $31 million over the luxury tax line. Cleveland also projects to be approximately $14 million over the second apron before re-signing any free agents and filling out their roster.
Being that far over the second apron has the Cavaliers looking for trade options to save money. They've had a hard time finding a team willing to take on Isaac Okoro's $22.8 million in remaining salary through the 2026-27 season. Rival teams have told Cleveland that they would need to add in assets to get them to take on Okoro's contract.
The Cavs have also explored trading forward Dean Wade, in an attempt to clear salary to re-sign Jerome or Merrill. Cleveland has sufficient free agent rights to re-sign the veteran guards, but is concerned about pushing the payroll even further over the second apron.
