From being the very last pick in the NBA Draft to securing a life-changing $38 million contract, Sam Merrill’s journey is one of the best underdog stories in modern basketball.
Once fighting just to stay on a roster, the sharpshooter has solidified himself as a key piece of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ core.
In this article, you will know Sam Merrill’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Sam Merrill’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel Hoskins Merrill |
| Date of Birth | May 15, 1996 |
| Age | 29 |
| Education | Bountiful High School, Utah State University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2020 (Drafted 60th Overall) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $5 Million – $7 Million |
| 2025-26 Salary | ~$8.5 Million |
| Wife | Kanyan Ward |
| Instagram Profile | @smerrill05 |
| Twitter Profile | @smerrill05 |
Early Career
Sam Merrill grew up in Bountiful, Utah, where he became a star at Bountiful High School. He led his team to a state title in his senior year before serving a two-year mission for his church in Nicaragua.
This break from basketball meant he was older than most freshmen when he finally started his college career at Utah State University.
At Utah State, Merrill became an Aggie legend. He was a two-time First-team All-Mountain West selection and won the Mountain West Player of the Year award in 2019. By his senior season, he was one of the most efficient scorers in the country.
However, due to his age (24) and lack of elite athleticism, he fell to the very bottom of the 2020 NBA Draft. The New Orleans Pelicans selected him with the 60th and final pick before trading his rights to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Professional Career
Sam Merrill’s pro career started with a championship ring. As a rookie with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2020-21 season, he played sparingly but was part of the squad that won the NBA title. Despite the early success, his spot in the league was not secure.
He was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies and eventually waived, leaving his NBA future in doubt. He spent significant time in the G-League, refining his quick-trigger three-point shot.
His career changed forever when he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers on a 10-day contract in 2023. He quickly proved he was an elite shooter, earning a multi-year deal.
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After a breakout 2023-24 season where he became a fan favorite for his deep shooting, and a solid 2024-25 campaign averaging 7.2 points per game, the Cavs rewarded him.
In June 2025, Merrill signed a massive four-year, $38 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid 60th overall pick in NBA history.
Wife
Sam Merrill is married to his college sweetheart, Kanyan Ward (now Kanyan Merrill). She was a soccer player at Utah State, where the two met and fell in love. They got married in May 2018 while still in college.
The couple has two children. Their first daughter, Kendall Merrill, was born on May 10, 2022. In February 2025, they welcomed their second daughter, Drew Elle Merrill.
The family often shares photos of their life in Cleveland on social media, where Kanyan is very supportive of Sam’s career.
Sam Merrill’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Sam Merrill’s estimated net worth is between $5 million and $7 million.
Contract
Sam Merrill agreed to a four-year, $38 million contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. This deal locks him in through the 2028-29 season. The contract is fully guaranteed, providing him with financial security he did not have earlier in his career.
Salary
For the 2025-26 season, Merrill’s salary is approximately $8.5 million. This is a massive raise from his previous earnings, where he made roughly $2.1 million in the 2024-25 season.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Salary (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | Milwaukee Bucks | $898,310 |
| 2021-22 | Memphis Grizzlies | $1,517,981 |
| 2022-23 | Cleveland Cavaliers | ~$500,000 (Two-Way/Partial) |
| 2023-24 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $1,997,238 |
| 2024-25 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $2,164,993 |
| 2025-26 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $8,500,000 |
| Total | ~$15.5 Million |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-21 | MIL | 30 | 7.8 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 44.7% |
| 2021-22 | MEM | 6 | 9.7 | 4.2 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 30.4% |
| 2022-23 | CLE | 5 | 11.8 | 5.0 | 1.8 | 1.0 | 27.8% |
| 2023-24 | CLE | 61 | 17.5 | 8.0 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 40.4% |
| 2024-25 | CLE | 71 | 19.7 | 7.2 | 2.2 | 1.5 | 37.2% |
| Career | 173 | 16.3 | 6.5 | 1.9 | 1.4 | 38.6% |
FAQs
1. Is Sam Merrill the highest-paid 60th pick in NBA history?
Yes, with his new $38 million contract signed in 2025, Sam Merrill is set to surpass Isaiah Thomas in career earnings, making him the highest-paid player ever selected with the 60th overall pick.
2. Who is Sam Merrill’s wife?
Sam Merrill is married to Kanyan Merrill (née Ward). She is a former soccer player for Utah State University. They have been married since 2018 and have two daughters together.
3. Does Sam Merrill have an NBA championship ring?
Yes, Sam Merrill won an NBA Championship as a rookie with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. Although he had a limited role, he was on the roster and received a ring.
4. What shoes does Sam Merrill wear during games?
Sam Merrill usually wears Nike Kobe sneakers. His go-to pairs are the Nike Kobe 4 Protro and the Nike Kobe 6 Protro, specifically in colorways that match his team uniforms.
5. How much is Sam Merrill’s contract with the Cavaliers worth?
Sam Merrill signed a four-year contract extension worth $38 million. This deal keeps him with the Cleveland Cavaliers through the 2028-29 NBA season.
