The NBA is in full offseason mode now, and along with it comes the crazy spending of teams that are hoping to contend for the title in the years to come. Sure enough, the Cleveland Cavaliers are in the same boat.
Cleveland finished the 2024-25 season with a 64-18 record, the best win-loss tally in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, the team wasn't able to reach the conference finals, losing to the Indiana Pacers in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Now, the Cavs are making moves to make sure that they remain a dominant force next season. However, one decision from the team triggered negative reactions.
Aside from trading for Lonzo Ball from the Chicago Bulls, the Cavaliers also reached an agreement to keep free agent guard Sam Merrill on a four-year deal worth $38 million, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Merrill was the 60th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He joined the Cavs during the 2023-24 season after playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies, as well as spending some time in the G League.
While Merrill played a key role for the Cavs as a backup guard in 2024-25, many took issue with how much they paid him, calling it an overpay.
"14 million a year for a guy who is literally almost useless?" a harsh commenter wrote. Another one said, "4 years, $38 mil for a 60th pick? Cavs wildin"
"holy overpay," a critic added. A follower echoed a similar sentiment, sharing, "Overpay of doom."
A fan remarked, "WE HAVE BEEN ROBBED."
"Why the hell would you trade for Lonzo if you planned on paying Sam Merrill to $10m annually..." a sixth follower questioned, noting the fact that the Bulls already have guard depth with the acquisition of Ball.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) dribbles the ball while Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) defends.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) dribbles the ball while Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) defends.
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
For what it's worth, several supporters did heap praise on the Cavs, highlighting that they signed Merrill to a good-value contract. While the 29-year-old guard averaged just 7.2 points and 1.5 assists last season, it should be noted that he had 17 double-digit scoring games for the team.
Merrill's best game with the Cavs in 2024-25 came against the Dallas Mavericks in February, when he exploded for 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting from deep.