Cleveland did more than make the Eastern Conference playoffs last season in the National Basketball Association.
It clinched the No. 1 seed with the best record in the east. Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland will get much of the credit, but the Cavaliers have signed a talented shooter that played a role. Sam Merrill, who’s been nicknamed “Sammy Buckets,” has re-signed to the Cavs on a four-year, $38 million deal. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the news as Merrill finished his third season with Cleveland. He was on Milwaukee’s 2020-21 NBA Championship team after getting traded there from the New Orleans Pelicans. Merrill was the final selection of the 2020 NBA Draft, but he wants to be a pivotal reason for the Cavaliers winning another NBA title should it happen. He arrived with the Cavs after a season in Memphis (2021-22) and joining the Cleveland Charge of the G-League. He’s become a star off the bench for his three-point shooting, especially last season.
TOP NEWS
Free agent guard Sam Merrill intends to sign a four-year, $38 million contract to stay with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell ESPN. The Cavs negotiated the new deal with Kieran Piller and Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports, a success story for the 60th pick in 2020 draft. pic.twitter.com/NUo8CKR9vH
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2025
Merrill hit some big shots in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs versus Miami. He made a combined four-of-eight 3-pointers in games one and two, while making three-of-seven from long range in Game 4. Merrill helped Cleveland earn a sweep of the Heat to move on to the second round. The Cavs ultimately loss to the Pacers in round two; however, Merrill showed out in Game 2 with 14 points. He made four-of-nine shots from 3-point range in a 119-120 loss for Cleveland.
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Merrill brought an ability to average double figures in scoring as he had 10+ games in the regular season with at least 10 points.
Cleveland wants to see his development continue, so it is hanging on to him.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him on X via @CoachingMSmith.
