Thunder & Former NBA 1st-Round Pick Going Separate Ways

When a player doesn't report to training camp, you know that something's up. And when the team and that player seem to be in agreement, you get the sense that a trade is likely. That might be the case with Oklahoma City Thunder guard and former NBA first-round pick Ty Jerome.

Per Thunder spokesperson, Ty Jerome will not be participating in training camp, as the team and Jerome’s reps work collaboratively to determine next steps for Ty.
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) September 26, 2022

According to the Thunder, Jerome will not be participating in training camp, as the team and Jerome’s reps work together to determine "the next steps" for him.

Here’s hoping Ty Jerome finds a good landing spot.

OKC likes Jerome and his shooting, but the roster numbers crunch is real.

Wasn’t long ago that Ty + Theo felt like the bench backcourt of the future.

But now it seems Tre Mann + JDub have got next. https://t.co/UbXkWbfcCf
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) September 26, 2022

The 6'5" shooting guard is due $4.22M this season in the final year of his rookie contract. The problem is that Jerome is one of 18 Thunder players on guaranteed contracts. They would have to trade or cut three of those players in order to get down to the regular-season maximum of 15 by opening night, Oct. 17th.

It sounds like Jerome is going to be one of those three.

The Thunder have a crowded backcourt, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Lu Dort being the premier pieces, along with hopefuls like Tre Mann, Jalen Williams, Theo Maledon and Aaron Wiggins also on the roster.

Jerome has spent the past three seasons trying to work his way into a consistent contributor but took a step back last season. His minutes dropped from 24 minutes per game to less than 17, and his production was down to 7.1 points and assists, from 10.7 points and 3.6 assists the season before.