Sam Merrill children are something a lot of fans have been curious about lately, and honestly, it makes sense. As the Cleveland Cavaliers guard keeps turning heads with his sharpshooting and clutch performances, people naturally want to know more about the man behind the game.
Away from the court, the 29-year-old has built something just as impressive at home. Sam and his wife Kanyan Merrill are now proud parents to three little ones, two daughters and a son, all born within a four-year stretch between 2022 and 2026.
Sam Merrill, known by his nickname “Money Merrill,” was selected with the 60th and final pick of the 2020 NBA Draft and won an NBA Championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021. Now with the Cavaliers on a four-year, $38 million contract signed in June 2025, he averaged 12.8 points per game during the 2025 regular season. Off the court, family has always been his anchor.
Sam Merrill’s Three Children: Names, Birth Years, and Family Timeline
Kendall Merrill is Sam and Kanyan’s firstborn and the one who made them parents for the very first time. The couple excitedly announced they were expecting a baby girl back in November 2021, and by May 2022, little Kendall had arrived, instantly becoming the heart of the Merrill household. As the eldest of three, she now has a younger sister and a baby brother to grow up alongside.
Their second child, Drew Elle Merrill, was born on February 6, 2025. The family shared news of her arrival publicly, though they have kept most details about her private. Kanyan’s Instagram account, @kanyanmerrill, is private, reflecting the couple’s preference for a low-key family life.
Sam Merrill and Kanyan welcomed their third child, a son, in January 2026. As of May 2026, the couple has not publicly confirmed his name. The arrival of their baby boy made the Merrill family a household of five.
How Sam Merrill’s Faith and Family Values Shape His Life Off the Court
Sam Merrill is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a two-year mission in Nicaragua before his freshman year at Utah State. That foundation has shaped the way he approaches fatherhood and his career. He has spoken openly about the balance: “I can give 100% to basketball when I’m there, but coming home to my girls helps keep everything in perspective.”
He married Kanyan Ward in May 2018. The two met at Utah State University, where Sam played basketball and Kanyan played women’s soccer, earning Academic All-Mountain West honors three times. Kanyan majored in Human Development and Family Studies, and today manages the family’s home life while Sam competes at the NBA level.
Who Is Kanyan Merrill and How She Raises Three Kids While Supporting Sam’s NBA Career
Kanyan Merrill has embraced motherhood as her primary focus. She stepped back from the public eye well before their children were born, and that approach has remained consistent. Her private Instagram and limited media presence reflect a deliberate choice the couple made together.
With three children under the age of five, the Merrills are in full family mode. Sam has been clear that no matter what happens on the court, his priorities remain fixed: “I know what’s most important: my family and my faith.”
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How many kids does Sam Merrill have?
Sam Merrill has three children with his wife, Kanyan. Their eldest daughter Kendall was born in May 2022, their second daughter, Drew Elle arrived on February 6, 2025, and their son, their third child, was born in January 2026.
Who is Sam Merrill’s wife?
Sam Merrill’s wife is Kanyan Merrill, formerly known as Kanyan Ward. She played women’s soccer at Utah State University and earned Academic All-Mountain West honors three times. The couple married in May 2018 and now share three children together.
Does Sam Merrill have any siblings?
Yes, Sam Merrill has one older sister named Molli Merrill. She is four years older than Sam and played soccer at Utah State University, just like his wife Kanyan. Molli was reportedly a strong influence on Sam growing up.
Who are Sam Merrill’s parents?
Sam Merrill’s parents are John and Jenny Merrill, both graduates of Utah State University. John built a career in finance, while Jenny focuses on homemaking and community service. Both played sports in high school and passed that competitive spirit on to Sam.
What is Sam Merrill’s ethnicity?
Sam Merrill is American by nationality, born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in Bountiful, Utah. His specific ethnicity has not been publicly confirmed, though his family’s roots are deeply embedded in Utah.
What is Sam Merrill’s net worth?
Sam Merrill’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of several million dollars. His June 2025 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, worth $38 million over four years, significantly boosted his overall career earnings.
