Sam Merrill’s contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers is a structured and strategic deal that benefits both the player and the team
With a guaranteed portion providing financial security and team options allowing flexibility, this contract is a solid agreement for a role player looking to establish himself in the NBA.
If Merrill continues to develop, he could see more lucrative deals in the coming years, potentially following the paths of other sharpshooters who have transitioned from short-term contracts to long-term financial security.
Sam Merrill’s journey from a late second-round pick to a key rotational player is a testament to his work ethic and perseverance.
Despite facing setbacks early in his career, he has carved out a meaningful role with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His elite shooting, high basketball IQ, and team-first mentality make him a valuable asset in today’s NBA.
As he continues to develop, Merrill’s impact on the Cavaliers and the league as a whole is only expected to grow.
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Table of Contents
Sam Merrill: Who Is He?
A Sharpshooter Making His Mark in the NBA
Early Life and College Success at Utah State
Sam Merrill was born on May 15, 1996, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Growing up in Bountiful, Utah, Merrill developed a passion for basketball from an early age.1
He attended Bountiful High School, where he showcased his scoring ability and leadership on the court. His skills earned him a spot at Utah State University, where he played for the Aggies from 2016 to 2020.
During his time at Utah State, Merrill established himself as one of the best shooters in college basketball.
He led the Aggies to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and was named the Mountain West Conference Player of the Year in 2020.
Merrill finished his college career with over 2,000 points and cemented his legacy as one of Utah State’s greatest players.
If not Utah State then I guess BYU would be a good option for ya @erc95 https://t.co/oUJzcqWcHk
— Sam Merrill (@smerrill05) April 19, 2024
NBA Draft and Early Career Challenges
Merrill entered the 2020 NBA Draft and was selected with the 60th overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans. However, he was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a four-team deal.
As a rookie, Merrill played limited minutes but gained valuable experience alongside established NBA stars. Despite playing a minor role, he contributed to the Bucks’ 2021 NBA Championship run, earning a ring in his first professional season.
Following his rookie season, Merrill was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. Unfortunately, injuries and limited playing opportunities led to his release after appearing in only six games for the team.
This period marked a challenging phase in his career, but Merrill remained determined to find a stable role in the league.
Sam Merrill: Career
A Fresh Start with the Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2023, Merrill signed a 10-day contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His impressive shooting and consistent performances earned him a multi-year deal with the team.2
The 2023-24 season proved to be a turning point, as he averaged 8.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.
More importantly, he demonstrated his ability to knock down three-pointers at a high level, making him a valuable asset for the Cavaliers’ bench unit.
Increased Role in the 2024-25 Season
Merrill’s strong play in the previous season led to an increased role in the 2024-25 campaign. As of March 2025, he is averaging 19.2 minutes per game off the bench, contributing as a reliable shooter and floor spacer.
His three-point shooting remains his biggest strength, connecting on 37.4% of his attempts beyond the arc.
This efficiency has helped the Cavaliers in key moments, as they look to secure a playoff spot in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Sam Merrill’s Playing Style and Strengths
Sam Merrill is known for his exceptional shooting ability. His quick release and deep range make him a constant threat from beyond the arc.
Merrill excels in catch-and-shoot situations and has shown the ability to create his own shot when necessary. His basketball IQ and off-ball movement allow him to find open spaces and capitalize on defensive lapses.
While shooting is his primary skill, Merrill has also improved his playmaking and defense. He provides solid contributions in ball movement and has worked on becoming a more versatile defender.
Though he is not the most athletic player, his effort and positioning help him hold his own against quicker opponents.
Impact on the Cavaliers’ Bench Unit
Merrill has become a key piece of the Cavaliers’ second unit. His ability to stretch the floor creates more space for the team’s primary scorers, such as Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
His presence forces defenders to respect his shooting, which in turn opens up driving lanes for his teammates.
Additionally, Merrill’s steady play provides a spark off the bench. When the starters rest, he helps maintain offensive efficiency by knocking down shots and making smart decisions with the ball. His consistency has made him a trusted option for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Sam Merrill: Career Achievements and Notable Performances
Throughout his career, Merrill has delivered several memorable performances.3
Some of his standout moments include:
- Career-High Scoring Night: Merrill recorded a career-high in points during the 2023-24 season, showcasing his ability to take over a game with his shooting.
- Clutch Shooting in Close Games: He has hit multiple game-changing three-pointers, proving his ability to perform under pressure.
- NBA Championship with the Bucks (2021): While his role was limited, being part of a championship-winning team helped him gain valuable experience and confidence.
Future Outlook and Career Goals
Looking ahead, Merrill aims to solidify his role as a reliable NBA shooter. If he continues to improve his defense and playmaking, he could earn an even larger role in the Cavaliers’ rotation.
His long-term goal is to establish himself as one of the league’s top three-point specialists, similar to players like J.J. Redick and Kyle Korver.
As the Cavaliers push for a deep playoff run, Merrill’s shooting and veteran presence will be crucial.
Whether he remains in Cleveland or explores opportunities with other teams in the future, his ability to space the floor ensures that he will have a place in the NBA for years to come.
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Sam Merrill: Contract Breakdown
A Comprehensive Analysis
Sam Merrill, a sharpshooting guard, secured a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers that has piqued interest among basketball fans and analysts.
His contract, signed on March 14, 2023, outlines specific financial figures and terms that reflect his role in the team.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of his contract details, earnings, guarantees, and how his salary compares across different seasons.
Breakdown of Sam Merrill’s Contract
Sam Merrill inked a 3-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers worth $5,012,231. The contract guarantees $2,847,238, ensuring financial security for Merrill over the duration of the deal.
His contract includes an average annual salary of $1,670,744, reflecting the Cavaliers’ investment in his shooting abilities and potential contributions to the team.
Salary Structure by Year
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap | Yearly Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | $850,000 | – | $850,000 | – | $850,000 |
| 2023-24 | $1,997,238 | – | $1,997,238 | – | $1,997,238 |
| 2024-25 | $2,164,993 | – | $2,164,993 | – | $2,164,993 |
This structure highlights a gradual increase in salary over the contract’s duration, providing Merrill with financial stability while allowing the Cavaliers flexibility in their roster management.
How Much is Sam Merrill Getting Paid?
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Merrill is set to earn $2,164,993 as part of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This makes him one of the lower mid-tier earners on the roster, reflecting his role as a supporting player with a valuable skill set in three-point shooting.
Sam Merrill: New Born
Sam Merrill shared his new born’s adorable picture on his official instagram account.
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Sam Merrill’s Earnings Per Minute
Breaking down Merrill’s earnings further, his salary per minute provides an interesting perspective:
- 2024-25 Season: $2,164,993 per year ÷ 525,600 minutes = $4.12 per minute
- 2023-24 Season: $1,997,238 per year ÷ 525,600 minutes = $3.80 per minute
- 2022-23 Season: $850,000 per year ÷ 525,600 minutes = $1.62 per minute
While these numbers give a raw calculation of his earnings per minute, they do not account for actual on-court playing time, which would significantly increase his per-minute earnings in games.
Total Career Earnings of Sam Merrill
As of March 2025, Sam Merrill’s total career earnings amount to $7,684,044, according to Spotrac. This includes previous contracts with other teams, demonstrating his journey from a late draft pick to a reliable NBA player.
Terms and Guarantees of Sam Merrill’s Contract
Contract Terms
Merrill’s contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers includes several key terms:
- Three-year deal worth $5,012,231
- $2,847,238 guaranteed
- Team options for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons
- No signing bonuses
Guaranteed Money
Out of his total contract, $2,847,238 is guaranteed. This ensures that Merrill receives a significant portion of his contract regardless of performance or team decisions, giving him financial security.
Sam Merrill’s Contract History
Merrill’s journey in the NBA has seen him sign multiple contracts with different teams, each reflecting his growing value in the league.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2022-2024)
- March 14, 2023: Signed a 3-year, $5,012,231 contract
- March 3, 2023: Signed a 10-day, $105,522 contract
Sacramento Kings (2022-2023)
- August 12, 2022: Signed a 2-year, $3,833,328 contract
Milwaukee Bucks (2020-2021)
- November 30, 2020: Signed a 2-year, $2,416,291 contract
This history highlights Merrill’s steady progression in the league, with each contract reflecting his increasing value as a reliable shooter.
Comparison with Similar NBA Contracts
To understand Merrill’s contract in a broader context, it’s useful to compare it with other players in similar roles.
Comparable Contracts
- Max Strus (Miami Heat, 2021-2023): Signed a 2-year, $3.5 million contract before securing a larger deal.
- Duncan Robinson (Miami Heat, 2021): Signed a 5-year, $90 million contract after proving his shooting capabilities.
- Pat Connaughton (Milwaukee Bucks, 2022-2025): Signed a 3-year, $18 million contract.
Merrill’s contract is on the lower end compared to these players, but it provides him with a platform to showcase his skills and potentially earn a more lucrative deal in the future.
Impact on Cleveland Cavaliers’ Salary Cap
Merrill’s contract has a moderate impact on the Cavaliers’ salary cap, considering their other high-value contracts.
With his $2,164,993 cap hit for 2024-25, he remains an affordable option for the team, allowing them to allocate resources to higher-paid stars while maintaining shooting depth.
Potential Future Contracts for Sam Merrill
If Merrill continues to improve his three-point shooting and overall play, he could secure a larger contract in the future. Potential scenarios include:
- Mid-Level Exception Contract: A 3-year, $15-20 million deal.
- Role Player Extension: A 2-year, $8-12 million deal.
- Veteran Minimum Contract: If his performance stagnates, he may sign for around $2 million annually.
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