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.
Reason No. 2: Defensive Potential
Whereas Sam Merrill has undeniable long range scoring abilities, his defense leaves more to be desired. As a 26-year-old, Merrill is unlikely to become the next Kawhi Leonard on the defensive end. With the right gameplan and system, though, Merrill can certainly become an adequate and useful piece in Cleveland’s rotation.
While Donovan Mitchell entered the league from the University of Louisville as a defensive powerhouse, his time in Utah rarely showcased these talents. Mitchell has brought back much of his defensive effort since joining Cleveland, giving credence to hopes for Merrill’s development.
The Cavs have seen Isaac Okoro’s defensive ability improve over the years as an undersized wing. Merrill, at 6-foot-6 is an average sized wing player, giving him a greater starting point against taller opponents.
Further, the Cavs’ addition of Danny Green offers Sam Merrill a valuable veteran mentor who has earned respect across the NBA as one of this generation’s best 3-and-D role players. This opportunity to work with Green gives Merrill an avenue for growth along with J.B. Bickerstaff’s defensive mindset in his coaching schemes.
After adding Merrill, the Cavaliers now have seven wing players (eight including Dylan Windler) vying for consistent minutes and opportunities. Thus far, only Caris LeVert and Isaac Okoro have found a stable place in the Cavaliers rotation. This competitive landscape for minutes may serve as the motivation Merrill needs to take defensive improvement serious as he joins the roster full time.
Reason No. 3: Low risk, high reward
At the end of the day, the Cavaliers do not lose any significant chances by signing Merrill to this multi-year contract. As it stands now, Cleveland is in a constant search for a sharpshooting wing player while most of the other 29 NBA teams are also searching for the same thing. When the Cavaliers find a possible answer, they lose nothing by taking a chance.
The current free agent pool does not have the perfect solution for the Cavs, and the upcoming summer free agent class also does not have multiple definitive answers. While there are a few choices, they may be too pricey for the Cavs or may simply choose another team. So, Sam Merrill as a low flight risk option gives Cleveland another in-house talent to develop for cheap.
In the case that Merrill does not fit in with Cleveland, he can serve as an attractive trade piece going forward. With eight wing players under contract and a slew of second-round picks available, Cleveland can set themselves up for a significant trade in the future.
For now, Merrill will be a Cavalier and hopefully a meaningful pickup for the team. He has not seen the court much in his 10-day contract, but Bickerstaff still seems to be experimenting with his rotation.
Time will tell how this multi-year deal will go for Cleveland and Merrill’s future together.