NBA Notes: Cavs, Sam Merrill, Rockets, Clippers, Bradley Beal

Cavaliers

Sam Merrill was on the golf course when his agent called with life-changing news — the Cavaliers were offering him a four-year, $38 million contract. Needless to say, the round didn’t go as planned after that. But Merrill wasn’t complaining.

“It’s a big blessing,” he said, via Jackson Flickinger of SB Nation. “To be able to finally be in a spot where I know I’m going to be. It’s been a lot of ups and downs throughout my career so far.”

Merrill’s journey has been anything but conventional. Drafted 60th overall in 2020 by Milwaukee, he barely saw the floor before being traded to Memphis, where an ankle injury ended his sophomore season.

He was waived, tried out with Sacramento, and seriously considered heading overseas before giving the G League a shot.

Cleveland’s affiliate drafted him No. 1 overall in 2022, and he eventually caught the Cavs’ attention, leading to a 10-day deal and then a three-year contract. This summer, Cleveland basically had to choose between Merrill and Ty Jerome in free agency, and opted to keep the movement shooter.

“Sam provides a different skill set that is really, really hard to find,” president of basketball operations Koby Altman said. “We’ll miss Ty’s playmaking, but Sam’s competitiveness and toughness make him a culture piece.”

Merrill spent the summer diversifying his game by adding floaters and mid-range looks. He says his focus hasn’t changed despite the security of a long-term deal.

“Hopefully, I’m going to be here for a few years,” he said. “My resolve is now stronger to be the best player I can be and help this team get to the next level.”

Rockets

Houston has an open roster spot and plans to apply for a $14.1 million disabled player exception for Fred VanVleet, per ESPN. If granted, the exception would allow them to sign or trade for a one-year contract. But they’re just $1.25 million below the first apron, limiting their flexibility.

The Rockets could turn to the trade market to address VanVleet’s absence. They have five tradeable first-rounders, including an unprotected 2027 Phoenix pick and multiple favorable 2029 picks, along with swap rights with Brooklyn in 2027.

However, contract restrictions are the real hurdle. Eight players signed this summer can’t be moved until mid-December.

Two others have trade veto rights, and Jabari Smith Jr.’s rookie extension comes with a poison pill clause. It’s been nearly 17 years since a player with that restriction was traded.

Clippers

The Clippers tip off their preseason on Oct. 9 against the Guangzhou Loong-Lions after a busy summer of retooling.

New arrivals include Brook Lopez, John Collins, and Bradley Beal, with coach Tyronn Lue confirming Beal will start this season. Beal has been ramping up physically and adjusting to his new star-studded environment.

“I’ve never been around Kawhi (Leonard),” Beal said, via SI.com. “He’s a freak of nature. One of the best to ever touch a ball. Same with James (Harden). Their work ethic is unmatched.”

Lue added, “He looked pretty good. His movements were really good in the scrimmage… it was good to see him out there.”

The Clippers are counting on Beal’s seamless fit alongside Leonard and Harden to power a fast start.