It only took one half for Sam Merrill to show Cavaliers how irreplaceable he is

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill. | Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesSam Merrill just went completely bonkers for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half against the Washington Wizards, dropping 26 points on a superhuman 7-for-7 from 3-point range in 14 minutes of action.

Merrill's value as a floor-spacer for the Cavs was already well-known by fans of the team, but this explosion of shooting prowess just erased any doubts that Cleveland must keep Merrill in its long-term plans.

Sam Merrill is one of the best contracts in the NBA

Merrill's contract is beginning to look like one of the best bargains in the NBA. He's making $8.5 million this year and less than $30 million combined over the next…