Sam Merrill Bio
Samuel Hoskins Merrill is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed “Money Merrill,” he was drafted with the last pick of the 2020 NBA draft and acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks, with whom he won an NBA championship. He played college basketball for the Utah State Aggies. Merrill has made significant contributions to his teams, showcasing his skills as a shooting guard and earning recognition for his performance on the court.
Early Life and Background
Samuel Hoskins Merrill was born on May 15, 1996, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and grew up in Bountiful, Utah. He is the son of John and Jenny Merrill and has an older sister named Molli. Merrill attended Bountiful High School, where he began to develop his basketball skills. He became a starter as a sophomore and averaged 6.5 points per game, demonstrating his potential early on. As a junior, he significantly improved his performance, averaging 18.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, earning first-team all-state honors. In his senior year, he led his team to a 4A state title while averaging 15.8 points, 7.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game.
Path to Basketball
After high school, Merrill went on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Nicaragua before attending Utah State University. Upon his return, he joined the Utah State Aggies basketball team. In his freshman year, he posted an average of 9.4 points per game. His sophomore season saw him average 16.3 points per game, earning a spot on the Third-team All-Mountain West Conference. Merrill’s junior year was a breakout season, as he averaged 20.9 points per game and led his team to a Mountain West tournament championship, securing an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. He was named the Mountain West Player of the Year and earned AP Honorable Mention All-American honors.
Sam Merrill Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
Samuel Merrill was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans as the final pick of the 2020 NBA draft. Shortly after, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a four-team trade. During his rookie season, he played in 30 games for the Bucks, averaging 3.0 points and 1.0 rebound per game. Merrill’s contributions helped the Bucks secure the NBA championship in 2021, marking a significant achievement in his early career.
Breakthrough (2021–Present)
In August 2021, Merrill was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he played six games, averaging 4.2 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. However, he was waived in January 2022. Merrill then joined the Cleveland Charge training camp roster in October 2022 and was the No. 1 overall pick in the G League draft. On March 3, 2023, he signed a 10-day contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and shortly after, he signed a multi-year contract with the team. Merrill made headlines on December 20, 2023, when he scored a career-high 27 points, including eight three-pointers, in a game against the Utah Jazz.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Samuel Merrill has achieved significant milestones, including winning an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks and being named Mountain West Player of the Year during his college career. He has also set franchise records for the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcasing his growth and impact in the NBA.
Sam Merrill Award Nominations
Samuel Merrill has received several notable accolades throughout his basketball career, including being named AP Honorable Mention All-American in 2019 and winning the Mountain West Player of the Year award in the same year.
Sam Merrill Awards Won
Samuel Merrill has won several awards during his basketball career, including the NBA championship in 2021 with the Milwaukee Bucks, highlighting his contributions to the team and his success as a professional player.
Sam Merrill Family
Samuel Merrill is married to Kanyan Ward, a soccer player, since May 2018. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Kendall, in May 2022. They are also expecting their second child, a son, who is due in February 2025.
Personal Life
In addition to his professional career, Samuel Merrill maintains a private life away from the basketball court. He and his wife Kanyan Ward have shared their journey into parenthood, celebrating the birth of their daughter and preparing for the arrival of their son. Merrill’s family life reflects his commitment to both his career and personal responsibilities.
