Faced with salary cap limitations, the Cleveland Cavaliers made retaining Sam Merrill a key offseason priority, ultimately bringing him back on a four-year, $38 million contract that balanced team needs with player value.
The move is already paying off, as Merrill’s strong early-season play has impressed both teammates and coaches. Following Cleveland’s win over Milwaukee, head coach Kenny Atkinson didn’t hold back his praise, saying Merrill has “probably been our best player over the first three games.”
“Guys just love playing with him,” Atkinson said. “He’s a winner. That’s why we gave him a nice contract this offseason. If there’s ever a guy that deserved it, he’s the guy.”
Merrill, who has stepped into a starting role to begin the season, continues to bring efficiency and leadership to the floor. Last year, he averaged 7.2 points while shooting 40.6% overall and 37.2% from beyond the arc, numbers that reflected his steady presence and reliable shooting.
Reflecting on his journey and chemistry with the team, Merrill explained, “When you’re in a position that I have been in, it’s you want to almost know your place type of thing. But having been with these guys for three or four years, we all have trust in each other, and we all listen to each other. I’m not out here pretending I’m a 10-time All-Star or anything. But I know guys trust in what I have to say and as long as everyone is on the same page and having that trust in being accountable, I guess anyone can say what they need to say.”
Merrill’s early momentum took a brief hit when he played just 18 minutes against the Detroit Pistons due to a hip injury.
“He’s hurting,” Atkinson said, according to Spencer Davies of Clutch Points. “When Sam can’t come back in the game, it’s [painful]. I think Evan [Mobley] actually hit him in the hip. Somehow they [collided].”
Cavaliers Notes: Merrill, Mitchell, Garland https://t.co/DcErLzwKg2 pic.twitter.com/EngESaZQtW
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 29, 2025
