While the Cleveland Cavaliers have shown tremendous growth this season, their three-point presence leaves much to be desired.
After going silent at the trade deadline, the Cavaliers looked at the buyout market and G League for a 3-and-D wing threat. First, Cleveland signed 35-year-old veteran Danny Green. Now, Cleveland has signed 26-year-old Sam Merrill to a multi-year deal immediately after a 10-day contract, following Dean Wade as another player to sign a full deal with the Cavaliers as originally playing a majority of time with the Cleveland (formerly Canton) Charge.
That was originally reported by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, who then stated Merrill’s deal is for three years, with the two seasons following this season non-guaranteed. Fedor’s reported noted how Merrill was signed with the “remaining portion” of Cleveland’s mid-level exception.
While Merrill was brought to the Cavaliers from their G League affiliate in the Charge, he has played in the NBA before, including the 2020-2021 NBA Championship team in the Milwaukee Bucks. With a bit of NBA experience and impressive success in the G League, Merrill’s potential impact on Cleveland could help lift the team’s ceiling higher than where it sits currently.
There are three major possible reasons why Cleveland has committed to Merrill for longer than another 10 days or the rest of the season.
Reason No. 1: Multi-level Shooting
In many cases, an NBA sharpshooter is best suited for specific types of shots such as catch-and-shoot, pull-up shots, or step back shots. Merrill, though, is capable of shooting the moment he catches the ball or off the dribble. In his career, Merrill has proven himself as more than a spot-up shooter. He can create his own shot, as well, which surely caught Cleveland’s attention more than other potential signings.
With highly valuable shooting, Sam Merrill stretches the floor for Cleveland from more than one or two hot spots on the court. Merrill shot 43.7% from three in the G League this year on more than eight attempts per game.
Over roughly 40 NBA games in his career, Merrill shot just under 40% from deep. Merrill’s sustained ability to score from range gives him more than just potential and hopes – it shows a history of consistency from which the Cavs could greatly benefit.