Former Phoenix Suns guard waived as Pacific rival shows interest

Former Phoenix Suns guard Ty Jerome has found himself on the NBA scrapheap, with the 25-year-old waived by the re-building Houston Rockets.

The move comes after Jerome was traded by the Oklahoma City Thunder in a rather underwhelming eight-player trade on Thursday, with the deal centered on salary implications rather than any meaningful player movement.

The Phoenix Suns would conceivably have interest in combo-guard Ty Jerome, although a Pacific rival already appears set to nab the former Sun.

According to The Athletics‘ Anthony Slater, the NBA champion Golden State Warriors are expected to sign Jerome to a training camp deal once he clears waivers.

Jerome played a minor role in the Suns 2019-20 season, averaging 3.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 10.6 minutes per game. He was subsequently part of the package sent to Oklahoma for All-Star guard Chris Paul.

He produced a very solid first season with the Thunder, recording 10.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 42.3% from three-point range. His form was less inspiring last season as he battled with inefficiency issues.

There was no indication that Phoenix were interested in bringing Jerome back to the franchise, although standing at 6’5″, he could have been an intriguing prospect given the Suns lack of point-guard depth.

Golden State’s interest means other teams may have to wait a little longer, although their exorbitant luxury tax bill is likely to prevent them from signing a 15th player to the main roster. This could theoretically open the door for Phoenix or any other team to have a look at Jerome in a few weeks time.

The Suns themselves have one roster spot remaining, with training camp deals already given to Frenchman Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, and former Detroit Pistons guard Frank Jackson.

Although a reunion in Phoenix appears unlikely for the moment, perhaps Jerome is a player that James Jones and the front office should keep an eye on as the season progresses.