Jan. 15 is an important date on the NBA calendar for trade restrictions. A ton of players who had offseason dealings of some sort officially become eligible to be moved again once that threshold is crossed. Among that bunch this year was Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill.<\/p>\n
Merrill re-upped with the franchise on a four-year, $38 million deal during the offseason. That pinned him down in Cleveland until the key date that has officially been hit in 2026.<\/p>\n
Realistically, his trade eligibility comes in designation only. The Cavaliers have absolutely no reason to really entertain any deals involving Merrill. Not only is the 29-year-old earning every last dollar on his contract, but the Cavs sharpshooter may actually be exceeding it.<\/p>\n
Sam Merrill can be traded by the Cavaliers now \u2014 but he won’t be<\/p>\n
The reports circling around the Cavaliers franchise<\/a> are suggesting that Cleveland will be patient in letting the roster figure things out. The Cavs have underperformed expectations thus far with a record of 23-19, but Koby Altman and company do not appear too concerned (yet).<\/p>\n If the franchise is going to be understanding and good-willed<\/a> with the underperforming parts of this roster, then Merrill will not even get a second look. The veteran guard is one of the brightest parts of the 2025-26 season for the Cavaliers.<\/p>\n