In a twist that echoes the dreams of every underdog, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill has transformed his improbable rise from the final selection of the 2020 NBA into a monumental triumph. Merrill has now inked a four-year contract worth a cool $38 million with the Cavaliers, etching his name as the highest-paid No. 60 draft pick in NBA lore.
Originally drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans and swiftly shipped to the , Merrill’s path has been paved with perseverance and incremental success. This new chapter in Cleveland eclipses the earnings of other notable last picks like Isaiah Thomas, whose career amassed $32.7 million, leaving historical figures such as Drazen Petrovic, Robert Sacre, and Alex Acker trailing with a combined sum scarcely tipping $9 million.
During the 2024-25 season, Merrill emerged as a pivotal component of the Cavaliers’ arsenal. The Utah State alumnus posted averages of 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 72 contests, stepping up as a starter just five times. Renowned for his precise shooting, Merrill connected on 38.8% of his three-point attempts, launching 5.5 treys per game over the previous two campaigns. His marksmanship from the perimeter has seamlessly integrated into Cleveland’s offensive blueprint.
