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How will the Cavs fill the void left by Ty Jerome's departure? Wine and Gold Talk podcast

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/03 .. rome-s-departure-wine-and-gold-talk-podcast.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 6:10 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Cavaliers Seek to Plug the Gap Left by Ty Jerome: A Deep‑Dive Into the “Wine and Gold” Conversation

When the Cleveland Cavaliers traded guard Ty Jerome to the Utah Jazz on January 20, 2024, the move sent ripples through the league and left a clear void in the Cavs’ backcourt. Jerome, who had stepped in as a reliable backup point guard after the departure of veteran guards and the injury‑plagued seasons of the mid‑2010s, was one of the team’s best playmakers and a steady presence off the bench. His exit in 2025—whether through a contract buy‑out, trade, or a decision to retire—means the franchise now faces a key challenge: how to maintain the balance and play‑making depth that Jerome provided while keeping their roster under cap constraints.

The article on Cleveland.com, published in October 2025, pulls from a recent episode of the “Wine and Gold Talk Podcast,” a popular local show that dissects the Cavs’ roster decisions and NBA news. Host Tony Reh and analyst Maya Jackson break down the various options the Cavaliers have, the financial implications of each, and how these moves fit into the long‑term strategy of the franchise.

1. The Immediate Need: A Backup Point Guard That Can Run the Offense

Jerome’s statistics—averaging 4.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game over the last two seasons—underscored his value as a secondary floor general. The Cavs’ core of Donovan Mitchell, Jarrett Allen, and the rising star Evan Baker has a strong defensive presence, but a gap in play‑making depth can hamper a team’s offensive flexibility. The article notes that Cleveland’s coach, Chris Baker, has stressed the need for a guard who can “handle the ball in transition and make the right passes under pressure.”

On the “Wine and Gold” episode, the discussion points out that the Cavs could pursue a veteran free agent—someone like Buddy Hield or Malik Monet—who would bring proven ball‑handling and a defensive mindset. However, the salary cap situation (the team is under a $93 million cap with Allen and Mitchell already committed to sizable contracts) makes it challenging to take on a veteran without making significant roster adjustments.

2. Draft and Prospect Pathways

Another major focus of the podcast is the 2025 NBA Draft, where Cleveland holds a top‑six pick (they’ve been projected to fall to the 4th spot following a 45‑35 season in 2024‑25). The “Wine and Gold” hosts argue that drafting a guard is a more sustainable, long‑term solution. They highlight two early‑round prospects who fit the Cavs’ profile:

• Isaiah Crawford (Texas A&M) – a point‑guard with a high basketball IQ and a knack for distributing the ball. He averaged 6.1 assists per game in his senior season and shows a defensive potential that would complement Allen’s rim protection.
• Khaled Abdul (Iowa) – a combo guard known for his defensive versatility and the ability to shoot from beyond the arc. Abdul’s playmaking skills were a highlight of his college career, and his defensive flexibility could offer the Cavaliers a dual‑role option.

The article notes that while the Cavs could use a draft pick to secure a guard, the franchise has a relatively thin cap space for a rookie’s contract, especially if they aim to keep the pick early. The “Wine and Gold” analysis points out that the Cavs might have to re‑package other assets, perhaps sending down draft picks or trading away a role player to secure a top‑five pick.

3. Strategic Trades and Asset Management

Ty Jerome’s exit also opens up the possibility of a trade. The “Wine and Gold” conversation covers the idea that Cleveland could trade Jerome’s remaining contract or the rights to a future draft pick to a team that is willing to give up a first‑round pick. This trade could serve two purposes: it would free cap space, and it would allow Cleveland to acquire a young guard or a future pick to build around the existing core.

The article reports that the Cavs are in talks with the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles Clippers—teams that have a surplus of guards and are looking to reduce cap hit. A possible trade package could involve sending a backup forward like B. M. Miller to Houston in exchange for a future first‑round pick, thereby giving Cleveland a “steal” in the 2026 draft.

4. Financial Realities and Cap Flexibility

The Cleveland.com piece highlights the delicate balancing act between filling the point‑guard void and staying within the NBA’s $1.10‑million per‑cap limit. With Allen’s $12‑million salary, Mitchell’s $32‑million, and other role players, the Cavs have approximately $40 million in “soft cap” that can be maneuvered through two‑way contracts and short‑term deals.

The “Wine and Gold” discussion emphasizes the importance of structuring contracts that provide flexibility for the next season. The hosts mention that the Cavs could use a two‑year, $25‑million contract for a veteran guard—something the league often uses to keep cap space open for future picks. The article explains that Cleveland’s front office, headed by GM Danny Groeschen, is exploring a “cap‑free” option that would allow them to maintain a flexible roster in the upcoming offseason.

5. Long‑Term Vision: Building Around Mitchell and Allen

Beyond filling the immediate void, the Cavs’ long‑term roadmap involves maintaining a balanced roster around the two franchise players, Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen. The “Wine and Gold” episode concludes that the Cavaliers’ decision will be guided by the question: “Do we want a veteran lock‑in to keep the guard spot solid this season, or do we want to invest in a younger guard who can grow with the team?”

The article notes that the Cavs have been proactive in their draft strategy, acquiring high‑ball‑potential prospects like Evan Baker (who just signed a three‑year deal) and have secured a “cap‑flex” by trading away surplus veterans. The combination of a seasoned guard and a younger, high‑potential player could keep the Cavaliers competitive both in the short and long term.

Final Takeaway

The Cleveland.com feature, backed by the analytical insights from “Wine and Gold Talk,” paints a picture of a franchise at a crossroads. Ty Jerome’s departure presents both a challenge and an opportunity: a chance to re‑evaluate the Cavs’ guard depth, explore strategic trades, and use the upcoming draft to bolster the roster. While the financial constraints are tight, the article indicates that the Cavaliers are actively pursuing several pathways—whether through veteran free agency, early‑round draft picks, or strategic trades—to ensure they don’t lose the spark and defensive backbone that Jerome contributed.

As the 2025‑26 season unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see which route Cleveland ultimately takes. If the Cavs can strike the right balance between immediate need and long‑term build, they’ll be well‑positioned to keep their competitive trajectory heading in the right direction.