History of Sam Merrill in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 5, 2025

Samuel Hoskins Merrill, nicknamed "Money Merrill," is an American professional basketball player currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. He was drafted as the last pick in the 2020 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, where he subsequently won an NBA championship. Prior to his NBA career, Merrill played college basketball for the Utah State Aggies.

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Full Timeline

May 15, 1996: Samuel Hoskins Merrill Born

On May 15, 1996, Samuel Hoskins Merrill was born. He is an American professional basketball player.

May 2018: Marriage to Kanyan Ward

In May 2018, Sam Merrill married soccer player Kanyan Ward.

March 5, 2019: Career-High 38 Points

On March 5, 2019, Merrill scored a career-high 38 points in a 100–96 overtime victory over Colorado State University (CSU).

November 18, 2020: Drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans

On November 18, 2020, Sam Merrill was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans as the final pick of the 2020 NBA draft.

February 10, 2021: Hustle Debut

On February 10, 2021, Sam Merrill debuted with the Memphis Hustle of the NBA G League.

August 7, 2021: Trade to the Memphis Grizzlies

On August 7, 2021, Sam Merrill was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Grayson Allen.

November 2021: Pregnancy announcement

In November 2021, Sam Merrill and Kanyan Ward announced they were expecting a baby girl.

January 1, 2022: Waived by the Grizzlies

On January 1, 2022, Sam Merrill was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies.

May 2022: Birth of Daughter Kendall

In May 2022, Sam Merrill and Kanyan Ward's daughter, Kendall, was born.

August 13, 2022: Signed with the Sacramento Kings

On August 13, 2022, Sam Merrill signed with the Sacramento Kings, but was later waived before the start of the season.

October 24, 2022: Joined Cleveland Charge Training Camp

On October 24, 2022, Sam Merrill joined the Cleveland Charge training camp roster after being the No. 1 overall pick in the G League draft two days earlier.

March 3, 2023: Signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers

On March 3, 2023, Sam Merrill signed a 10-day contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

January 22, 2024: Scored 26 Points Against Orlando Magic

On January 22, 2024, Sam Merrill scored 26 points, including a career-high 20 in the first half, in a 126–99 win over the Orlando Magic.

March 27, 2024: Broke Bench Three-Pointers Record

On March 27, 2024, Sam Merrill broke the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise record for most bench three-pointers in a season with 129, surpassing Donyell Marshall's previous record from the 2005–06 season.