Sam Merrill has quietly become one of the most reliable sharpshooters for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Known for his elite three-point shooting and underdog journey, Merrill has transformed from the final pick in the 2020 NBA Draft into an important rotation player for one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams.
From his standout college career at Utah State University to signing a multi-million-dollar contract with the Cavs, Merrill’s story continues to inspire basketball fans across the NBA.
Sam Merrill’s Wife and Personal Life
Sam Merrill is married to Kanyan Ward, his longtime college sweetheart. The couple tied the knot in May 2018 while Merrill was still playing at Utah State. Together, they have built a growing family and frequently share moments from their personal life on social media.
The couple welcomed their daughter Kendall in 2022, and reports indicate they also had a son in early 2025. Merrill is widely known for maintaining a grounded family-oriented lifestyle despite his rise in professional basketball.
Sam Merrill’s College Career at Utah State
Before joining the NBA, Merrill became a star at Utah State University. He played for the Utah State Aggies from 2016 to 2020 and developed into one of the best players in program history.
During his college career, Merrill achieved several major accomplishments:
- Mountain West Player of the Year (2019)
- Two-time First-Team All-Mountain West selection
- Two-time Mountain West Tournament MVP
- Over 2,100 career points at Utah State
- Famous game-winning shot in the 2020 conference tournament final
Merrill finished his college career as one of the top scorers and shooters in Utah State history while earning recognition as an AP Honorable Mention All-American.
Sam Merrill Salary and Contract Details
Sam Merrill’s NBA journey has turned into a major financial success story. After bouncing between teams early in his career, the Cavaliers rewarded him with a four-year contract worth approximately $38 million in 2025.
According to contract reports, Merrill earns around $8.48 million during the 2025-26 NBA season.
His contract reflects how valuable his perimeter shooting and floor spacing have become for the Cavs’ offense. Merrill evolved from a bench specialist into a dependable contributor capable of changing games with his shooting ability.
Sam Merrill Career High Performance
One of the biggest moments of Merrill’s NBA career came in February 2026 when he exploded for a career-high 32 points against the Washington Wizards.
In that game, Merrill delivered one of the hottest shooting performances of the season:
- 32 total points
- 9 three-pointers made
- Perfect first-half shooting
- 26 first-half points
The performance showcased why the Cavaliers continue to trust him in important minutes. His movement without the ball and quick release have made him one of the NBA’s dangerous perimeter shooters.
Sam Merrill’s NBA Journey With the Cavs
Merrill entered the NBA as the final pick in the 2020 NBA Draft after being selected 60th overall. He spent time with the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies before eventually finding stability in Cleveland.
His breakthrough came after joining the Cavaliers organization in 2023. Initially signed to a short-term deal, Merrill impressed coaches with his shooting consistency, basketball IQ, and energy off the bench.
By the 2025-26 season, Merrill had become an important part of Cleveland’s backcourt rotation alongside stars like Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.
Sam Merrill Family Background
Sam Merrill was born in Bountiful, Utah, and comes from a supportive family background. His parents are John and Jenny Merrill, and he also has an older sister named Molli.
Before attending Utah State, Merrill served a two-year mission in Nicaragua for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many observers believe that experience helped shape his discipline and maturity both on and off the court.
Why Sam Merrill Matters for the Cavaliers
The Cavs value Merrill because modern NBA offenses rely heavily on elite three-point shooters. His ability to stretch defenses creates more room for Cleveland’s star players to attack.
Merrill has also improved defensively and earned greater trust from the coaching staff. What started as a specialist role has evolved into a consistent NBA career built on hard work and persistence.
Conclusion
Sam Merrill’s rise from the last pick in the NBA Draft to a trusted Cleveland Cavaliers contributor is one of basketball’s best underdog stories. With a successful college career at Utah State, a strong family foundation, a growing NBA salary, and career-best performances in Cleveland, Merrill continues to prove he belongs on the league’s biggest stage.
As the Cavs chase playoff success, Merrill’s shooting and experience could play a major role in the franchise’s future.
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