Ex-Wahoo Jerome getting traded to Rockets

By Jerry Ratcliffe

When the Oklahoma City Thunder drafted a trio of high-end guards, it was a signal that former Virginia star Ty Jerome was in danger of not remaining on the roster.

Jerome’s future was in doubt when he was not at the Thunder’s media day earlier this week, and it was confirmed by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Thursday that Jerome will be traded to the Houston Rockets.

However, in a late-night report by Kelly Iko, who covers the Rockets for The Athletic, Houston plans to place Jerome on waivers.

The former UVA guard, who helped the Cavaliers capture the 2019 national championship, was heading into the last year of his rookie contract with Oklahoma City.

Last season, Jerome averaged 7.1 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 48 games.

“[Jerome] is smart, competitive and a tough player who will have a good career, I’m very confident in that,” said OKC head coach Mark Daigneault.

Apparently, Jerome will be part of a seven-player deal as the Thunder will also send Maurice Harkless, Derrick Favors and Theo Maledon, along with a 2025 second-round pick, to Houston for Marquese Chriss, Sterling Brown, Trey Burke and David Nwaba.

Jerome remains a popular figure with Virginia fans and he has enhanced their favor by holding his kids basketball camp in Charlottesville each summer.