More Extensions are flying into the lexicon of the NBA Offseason as the Cleveland Cavaliers join the fray with the extension of Sam Merrill. Merrill and his representatives agreed to a 4-year, $38 million contract on Saturday afternoon, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. He is one of the Cavaliers’ best shooters on their roster, so it was important for them to get this deal done as soon as possible because they couldn’t afford to lose him if they want to be contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Merrill’s 2024-25 Season
Sam Merrill averaged 7.2 points per game while shooting 37.2 % from three-point range in the regular season. Merrill did have his struggles in the postseason, as most of the Cavaliers did with their efficiency, especially in the Pacers series. Merrill shot 35.9% from deep in the playoffs, which is a decent dip from the regular season.
The career 38% shooter from three-point range is going to be a key player to the Cavaliers’ success in the 2025-26 season, now with this newly minted contract, plus Sam is going to have to step up to replace likely cap casualty Ty Jerome. The Cavs also traded for Lonzo Ball on Saturday as well to help at the point guard spot, but he is going to be one of the go-to guys off the bench, most likely as he’s been in the system already.
Final Thoughts
The Cavaliers are in a great position to be contenders once again in the Eastern Conference, especially with the injuries to Haliburton and Tatum. They have the pieces to repeat the success of the 2024-25 regular season once again, but they need to improve in the margins to avoid another disappointing playoff run. Merrill needs to be that guy to elevate his game a bit more for the Cavs to make the extension worth it in the long run. Total Apex Sports is the place to be for more NBA offseason news throughout the rest of the offseason.
