Brief Introduction of Sam Merrill
Samuel Hoskins “Sam” Merrill is a distinguished American professional basketball player, currently showcasing his talents as a shooting guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Widely recognized for his exceptional three-point shooting, he has earned the moniker “Money Merrill.” His journey to the NBA is a testament to his perseverance and dedication, having been the final pick in the 2020 NBA draft. Before his professional career, Merrill was a standout player for the Utah State Aggies men’s basketball team. In his rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks, he achieved the pinnacle of team success, winning an NBA championship in 2021. This Sam Merrill biography delves into the life and career of the talented basketball player.
Sam Merrill Overview
| Full Name | Samuel Hoskins Merrill |
| Date of Birth | May 15, 1996 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 29 |
| Birthplace | Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Husband/Wife | Kanyan Ward (married May 2018) |
| Family | Parents: John and Jenny Merrill; Sister: Molli Merrill |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly available |
Early Life and Education of Sam Merrill
Sam Merrill was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to John and Jenny Merrill. He grew up in Bountiful, Utah, with his older sister, Molli. His parents, who met at Utah State University, instilled in him a love for sports. Merrill attended Bountiful High School, where he became a prominent basketball player. He became a starter for the varsity team midway through his sophomore year. By his junior year, he was averaging impressive statistics and earned first-team all-state honors. In his senior year, he led Bountiful to a 4A state championship, averaging 15.8 points, 7.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game. Despite receiving interest from universities like Stanford and Princeton, Merrill committed to playing for Utah State University. Before commencing his college basketball career, Merrill took a two-year hiatus to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nicaragua. This experience was formative, though it required a period of readjustment to the demands of high-level basketball upon his return. He graduated from Utah State with a degree in business administration.
Sam Merrill’s Career
Sam Merrill’s basketball career is a story of steady progression and seizing opportunities. After returning from his mission, he joined the Utah State Aggies for the 2016-17 season. In his freshman year, he averaged 9.4 points per game. His performance significantly improved in his sophomore season, where he averaged 16.3 points and was named to the Third-team All-Mountain West Conference. His junior year was a breakout season; he averaged 20.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, leading the Aggies to a Mountain West tournament championship and earning the conference’s Player of the Year and tournament MVP awards. He also received an AP Honorable Mention All-American recognition.
Merrill continued to excel in his senior year, again leading Utah State to a Mountain West tournament title and repeating as tournament MVP. A particularly memorable moment was his game-winning three-pointer against San Diego State in the tournament final. He finished his collegiate career as one of Utah State’s all-time leading scorers.
In the 2020 NBA draft, Sam Merrill was selected as the 60th and final pick by the New Orleans Pelicans. He was subsequently traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. In his rookie season with the Bucks, he was part of the team that won the 2021 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns. Following his championship season, Merrill was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in August 2021. His time in Memphis was brief, as he was waived in January 2022 after appearing in six games.
Merrill’s career took a turn when he signed with the Sacramento Kings in August 2022 but was waived before the season began. He then joined the Cleveland Charge, the G League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers, after being the first overall pick in the G League draft. His impressive performance in the G League earned him a 10-day contract with the Cavaliers in March 2023, which was followed by a multi-year contract. With the Cavaliers, Merrill has found his stride as a valuable role player, known for his sharpshooting abilities. He set a franchise record for the most three-pointers made off the bench in a single season. In June 2025, his hard work and dedication were rewarded with a four-year, $38 million contract to remain with the Cavaliers.
Sam Merrill Personal Life & Family
Sam Merrill is a family man, deeply rooted in his faith and personal relationships. In May 2018, he married Kanyan Ward, a former soccer player for Utah State University. The couple has two children: a daughter, Kendall, born in May 2022, and a son, born in February 2025. Merrill’s parents are John and Jenny Merrill, and he has an older sister named Molli, who also played soccer at Utah State and later served as an assistant coach for the team. His father, John, coached his little league teams, and both parents have been a constant source of support throughout his career. Merrill is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a two-year mission in Nicaragua before his college career, an experience that has significantly shaped his life and beliefs.
Awards and Achievements of Sam Merrill
- NBA champion (2021)
- AP Honorable Mention All-American (2019)
- Mountain West Player of the Year (2019)
- 2× First-team All-Mountain West (2019, 2020)
- Third-team All-Mountain West (2018)
- 2× Mountain West Tournament MVP (2019, 2020)
- Senior CLASS First-Team All-American (2020)
Sam Merrill Net Worth and Income
Information regarding Sam Merrill’s net worth is not publicly available. His income primarily stems from his NBA contracts. In June 2025, he signed a significant four-year contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers worth $38 million, with an average annual salary of $9.5 million. Throughout his career, he has signed multiple contracts with various teams, contributing to his overall earnings. His career earnings as of the 2025-26 season are reported to be over $16 million.
Legacy and Influence
Sam Merrill’s legacy is one of perseverance, hard work, and exceptional shooting. As the last pick in the 2020 NBA draft, his journey to becoming an NBA champion and a key role player is an inspiration to many aspiring athletes. At Utah State, he is remembered as one of the program’s all-time greats, leaving his mark on the record books for scoring and assists. In the NBA, he has carved out a niche as a reliable three-point specialist, earning the nickname “Money Merrill.” His contributions to the Cleveland Cavaliers have been significant, providing crucial floor spacing and offensive firepower off the bench. He has also been praised for his underrated defensive skills. His story demonstrates that with dedication and a specific skillset, a player can have a lasting impact in the highly competitive environment of the NBA.
Interesting Facts about Sam Merrill
- Sam Merrill is also known by the nickname “Sammy Buckets.”
- Before his freshman year at Utah State, he served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Nicaragua.
- He was the final pick (60th overall) in the 2020 NBA draft.
- Merrill won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in his rookie season.
- He was the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA G League draft.
- His sister, Molli, also played collegiate sports at Utah State as a soccer player.
Controversies
There are no publicly known controversies involving Sam Merrill.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – smerrill05
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Not applicable
Final Words about Sam Merrill
Sam Merrill’s career is a testament to the power of resilience and specialization. From being the last pick in the draft to becoming an NBA champion and a respected shooter for the Cleveland Cavaliers, his journey has been remarkable. The Sam Merrill wiki pages often highlight his collegiate accolades, but his professional career continues to evolve and impress. He has solidified his place in the league as a dangerous offensive weapon and a player who consistently works to improve all facets of his game. His recent multi-year contract with the Cavaliers indicates a bright future and a significant role in the team’s plans. Off the court, his commitment to his family and faith provides a strong foundation for his life. As he continues his career, Sam Merrill will undoubtedly add more chapters to his inspiring story of dedication and success.
