Grizzlies Facing Threat of Unpopular Ty Jerome Trade

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Grizzlies Facing Threat of Unpopular Ty Jerome Trade

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 04: Ty Jerome #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers interact during the first half at FedExForum on November 04, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) Getty

Billy Heyen · HEAVY

Thu, November 5, 2026 at 8:42 PM UTC ·

4 min read

Ty Jerome Trade Chances

GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 04: Ty Jerome #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against Aaron Nesmith #23 of the Indiana Pacers during the first half at FedExForum on November 04, 2026 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

The Grizzlies have Jerome on a contract that's going to be tough to keep — and which could lead to a trade.

"Jerome's contract is so good that it's actually too good," Hollinger writes. "He's signed for the paltry sum of $9.2 million for this season and has a player option after the season for $9.7 million that he will surely opt out of if he stays healthy (always an issue for him). And because he signed his deal less than two years ago, he is not extension-eligible. Even if he opts into that $9.7 million and extends off it, the rules limit how much Memphis could pay him in the out years to a number far below what he'd likely get in unrestricted free agency."

You can already start to do the math. If Memphis can't keep Jerome, should they trade him?

"That puts the Grizzlies in an interesting spot," Hollinger writes. "Thought to be rebuilding, they could be faced with the quandary of paying a 29-year-old free agent (he turns 30 in July) his market value or losing him for nothing. That, in turn, could make Jerome a trade candidate at the Feb. 11 deadline — especially if the young Grizzlies can't maintain their winning ways."

If Jerome keeps playing at anywhere near this level, Memphis may simply be too good to make a move. But if the Grizzlies fall off while Jerome stays strong, then it could be in play.

Injury Concern

The one note here is that Jerome is injured quite often in his NBA career.

If the Grizzlies actually want to trade him, and if they have conviction on that path at some point, they might not want to wait. An injury could foil them into losing Jerome for nothing.

For now, though, Memphis won't worry about that yet. They have just one loss, and they have one of the best players in the NBA on their team. The Grizzlies will embrace that opportunity for as long as they can.

This article was originally published on HEAVY