Cleveland Cavaliers strengthen backcourt with new Merrill deal
Cleveland Cavaliers are all set to retain depth in their backcourt with the latest move in the market. The Eastern Conference leaders have re-signed Sam Merrill, strengthening their guard rotation and offensive flexibility.
ESPNs Shams Charania broke the story about an extension deal revolving around Sam Merrill. The 26-year-old had his three year contract worth $5,012,231 completed at the end of the season. Cleveland Cavaliers have now offered a four year extension worth $38 million.
The shooting guard has been a consistent presence on the bench for the Cavs. Merrill operated as a trusted second-unit guard, consistently stepping up when inserted into rotations. Sam Merrill averaged 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in the previous season.
He played 71 games with an average of 19.7 minutes. Sam scored from the field with 40.6% and 37.2 percent from beyond the arc. The 26-year-old’s story is powerful having been selected 60th in the 2020 NBA Draft and making it this far.
The Cleveland Cavaliers front office has been actively strengthening their back court. They recently struck a deal with the Chicago Bulls to sign Lonzo Ball. This in exchange of Isaac Okoro.
The Cleveland Cavaliers secured a more impactful piece in return, flipping a young role player for a proven starter. Lonzo Ball has faced injury issues himself but if he manages to remain fit in Cleveland then the Eastern Conference no. 1 seed will move closer to the NBA Title.
Ball averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists last season. Despite modest numbers last season, Ball brings experience and balance to Cleveland’s guard lineup. Lonzo Ball’s defensive versatility will come in handy for the Cavaliers as he averaged 1.3 steals per game and has a career defensive box plus minus of +1.5.
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