Sam Merrill is staying with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a four-year, $38 million deal after a breakout 2023–24 season. The sharpshooting guard, who hit over 40% from three, provides crucial backcourt depth amid key roster changes.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have secured a key piece of their backcourt for the future. Shooting guard Sam Merrill has agreed to a four-year, $38 million contract to remain in Cleveland, league sources confirmed Saturday. The deal was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Sam Merrill
Sam Merrill
Sam Merrill
MIN: 19.75
PTS: 7.03 (43.75%)
REB: 2.24
As: 1.54
ST: 0.72
BL: 0.2
TO: 0.47
GM: 79
Merrill, who was the 60th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, is coming off his most productive season yet. He appeared in a career-high 71 games, averaging 7.2 points and 19.7 minutes per game, while shooting 40.4% from beyond the arc on 5.2 attempts per night.
The 29-year-old played a consistent role in Cleveland’s playoff rotation as well, contributing 5.8 points in just under 20 minutes per game during the team’s run to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Merrill’s journey with the Cavaliers began in 2023 on a 10-day contract, which was quickly converted into a multi-year deal. That stint has now culminated in a long-term commitment, solidifying his role as a reliable perimeter threat and depth option at shooting guard.
His re-signing helps stabilize a backcourt that also features Darius Garland and newly acquired Lonzo Ball, who was traded from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Isaac Okoro on June 28. With Ty Jerome expected to depart in free agency, Merrill’s return adds much-needed continuity and shooting to a team that ranked among the NBA’s top squads in three-point percentage last season.
Merrill previously spent time with Milwaukee—winning an NBA championship in 2021 as a rookie—and Memphis before establishing his footing in Cleveland.
With limited cap flexibility as a projected second-apron team, the Cavaliers are betting on internal development and continuity. Merrill's new deal reflects their confidence in his ability to contribute at a high level moving forward.
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