Sam Merrill doesn’t look like your typical NBA player. With his clean-cut appearance and quiet demeanor, it’s easy to imagine him running numbers in an office rather than knocking down threes on an NBA court. But don’t let the accountant vibes fool you—he’s an absolute sniper from deep and a key reason why the Cavaliers were one of the most dangerous three-point shooting teams in the league last season. And now, he’s staying put.
The Cavs have officially locked up their sharpshooting guard, agreeing to a four-year, $38 million deal that keeps Merrill in Cleveland. For fans, this should feel like a win—because it absolutely is.
Originally the 60th and final pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, Merrill has carved out a rare path from fringe player to valued rotation contributor. He’s now set to become the highest-paid No. 60 pick in league history, a testament to how much he’s earned this payday. And while NBA salaries are rising across the board, Merrill’s new deal stands out because it rewards something Cleveland always appreciates: hard work, steady growth and an underdog mentality.
Over the past two seasons, Merrill has played in 150 games (regular season and playoffs combined) for the Cavaliers, stepping up from the edge of the roster to a consistent role off the bench. Last year, he averaged 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists in just under 20 minutes per game—production made even more valuable by his elite shooting efficiency. Merrill hit 40.4% from beyond the arc in 2023–24, following a 37.2% mark the year before, on over five attempts per game. When he checks in, defenses know exactly what’s coming—and they still can’t stop it.
But what really makes this deal exciting is that Merrill isn’t just a one-dimensional shooter anymore. His development on the defensive end has been noticeable, earning praise from coaches and teammates for his effort, awareness and willingness to compete. He’s not just surviving on that side of the floor—he’s contributing. That kind of two-way growth transforms him from a one-trick bench piece into someone who can be trusted in playoff minutes. And in Cleveland, that matters.
The journey to this point hasn’t been easy. After brief stints with Milwaukee and Memphis—where he was part of a title run with the Bucks—Merrill bounced around the G League before getting a shot with the Cavaliers in 2023. It all started with a 10-day contract. Then came a multi-year minimum deal. Now, two years later, he’s earned a long-term commitment—and the respect of a city that knows a grinder when it sees one.
At 29 years old, Merrill is entering his prime as a role player. He brings stability behind Darius Garland and newcomer Lonzo Ball, who arrived from Chicago in a trade involving Isaac Okoro. With Ty Jerome’s future in Cleveland uncertain, locking up Merrill was a smart move for a team looking to balance cap pressure with continuity and floor spacing.
This isn’t just about nostalgia or fan service—this is good basketball business. Merrill helps the Cavs win games. He stretches the floor, moves without the ball, doesn’t need to dominate touches, and defends well enough to stay on the court in crunch time. You can never have too many guys like that on a playoff-caliber roster.
So, while the headlines might be dominated by blockbuster trades and max-contract stars, Cleveland fans should recognize the value in retaining someone like Sam Merrill. He may not fill the stat sheet or light up highlight reels, but every team that wins big has guys like him—reliable, trusted and deadly from deep.
He’s not here for flash. He’s here to do his job, hit big shots, and help this team win. And in Cleveland, that’s exactly the kind of player fans rally behind.
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