Name: Samuel Hoskins Merrill
Age: 29
Birthday: May 15, 1996
Born: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Net Worth: Approximately $8 million
Fun Fact: Sam Merrill was selected with the final pick of the 2020 NBA Draft (60th overall) and won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in his rookie season.
Sam Merrill's journey from an afterthought in the NBA Draft to a $38 million man is one of the most inspiring stories in professional basketball. The Cleveland Cavaliers sharpshooter, who entered the league as the 60th and final pick in 2020, has defied every odd to secure a life-changing contract that has cemented his financial future. As of 2026, Sam Merrill's net worth is estimated at approximately $8 million, a figure that has skyrocketed thanks to his four-year, $38 million fully guaranteed extension with the Cavaliers signed in July 2025.
Merrill's path to NBA riches was anything but conventional. Unlike lottery picks who land multi-million dollar rookie deals before stepping foot on an NBA court, Merrill had to scratch and claw for every opportunity. His story is a testament to perseverance, elite three-point shooting, and the willingness to outwork everyone in the room.
From the 60th Pick to an NBA Champion
Sam Merrill played college basketball at Utah State University, where he developed into one of the most prolific scorers in program history. During his senior season in 2019-20, Merrill averaged 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting an impressive 41% from three-point range. His stellar performance earned him First-Team All-Mountain West honors and caught the attention of NBA scouts.
The New Orleans Pelicans selected Merrill with the 60th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft — the very last selection — but immediately traded him to the Milwaukee Bucks. It turned out to be a fortuitous landing spot. As a rookie, Merrill joined a Bucks team that would go on to win the 2021 NBA Championship, giving him a ring in his very first professional season. While his playing time was limited, the experience of competing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and learning from a championship organization proved invaluable.
Breaking Down Sam Merrill's NBA Contracts and Career Earnings
Merrill's financial trajectory mirrors his career arc — steady growth fueled by persistent improvement.
Rookie Contract with Milwaukee Bucks (2020-2021): After being drafted, Merrill signed a two-year, $2.41 million deal with the Bucks. His rookie salary was approximately $1.2 million per season, a far cry from the guaranteed millions handed to first-round picks.
Sacramento Kings Stint (2022): After brief stops with the Memphis Grizzlies and a G League assignment, Merrill landed a two-year, $3.83 million contract with the Sacramento Kings. However, he was waived before the contract fully materialized, adding only about $150,000 from that deal.
Cleveland Cavaliers Breakthrough (2023-2025): In March 2023, Merrill signed a three-year, $5.01 million contract with the Cavaliers, with $2.85 million guaranteed. His salary for the 2024-25 season was $2.16 million. It was during this period that Merrill's career took off, as he carved out a consistent rotation role and became one of the league's most dangerous three-point specialists off the bench. In the 2024-25 season, he appeared in a career-high 71 games, averaging 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 38% from beyond the arc.
The $38 Million Payday (2025-2029): On June 28, 2025, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Merrill intended to sign a four-year, $38 million contract to remain with the Cavaliers. The deal, which was made official on July 6, 2025, is fully guaranteed and carries an average annual salary of $9.5 million. The contract structure breaks down as follows: $8.48 million in 2025-26, $9.16 million in 2026-27, $9.84 million in 2027-28, and $10.52 million in 2028-29. As the Deseret News noted, "At the end of the deal, Merrill will have made nearly $45.7 million in his career."
How Sam Merrill Built His $8 Million Net Worth
Merrill's estimated net worth of $8 million in 2026 stems from several key financial pillars:
NBA Salary Earnings: Through the 2025-26 season, Spotrac reports Merrill's cumulative career earnings at approximately $16.2 million. With the new contract running through 2029, his total NBA earnings will approach $45.7 million before taxes and agent fees.
Endorsements and Sponsorships: While Merrill does not have the high-profile endorsement portfolio of NBA superstars, he does earn supplemental income through personal appearances and equipment sponsorships. His rising profile in Cleveland has opened local opportunities as well.
Smart Financial Management: Having seen how quickly NBA careers can end — especially for late-round picks — Merrill has been prudent with his finances. His steady progression from minimum salaries to a nine-figure guarantee allowed him to scale his lifestyle gradually rather than all at once.
What the $38 Million Contract Means for Merrill's Future
The Cavaliers' investment in Merrill signaled their belief that he is more than just a role player. Cleveland.com reported that Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson praised Merrill's early-season performance in 2025, saying, "That's why we gave him a nice contract." Merrill responded by posting the best numbers of his career, averaging 12.8 points per game through the early part of the 2025-26 season while shooting over 46% from the field.
According to ESPN's NBA All-Contract Team analysis in March 2026, Merrill was highlighted as one of the league's best value contracts — a player outperforming his $8.4 million salary. For context, the Deseret News noted that Merrill's career earnings will exceed the nearly $33 million that two-time NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas accumulated in his career.
The Bottom Line
Sam Merrill's net worth of approximately $8 million in 2026 reflects a remarkable journey from being the last pick in the NBA Draft to securing a $38 million guaranteed contract. With career earnings projected to reach $45.7 million by the end of his current deal, and with his role in Cleveland continuing to expand, Merrill's financial future looks brighter than ever. His story serves as a powerful reminder that draft position does not determine destiny — and that elite shooting, relentless work ethic, and patience can turn a 60th pick into a multi-millionaire.
