The Golden State Warriors have been unusually quiet this offseason. Outside of their draft selections—Alex Toohey and Will Richard. Both taken in the second round. The team has yet to make a splash in free agency. But that may soon change.
According to a new report from Jovan Buha, a player once linked to the Los Angeles Lakers is now trending toward the Golden State Warriors.
The player in question: De’Anthony Melton.
Warriors Emerging as Frontrunners for Melton
Buha had previously reported that the Lakers were in the lead for De’Anthony Melton. In his latest update, he notes that buzz around Los Angeles has cooled. The Warriors are now the frontrunners.
Melton would be a natural fit for Golden State. The 27-year-old guard is a versatile defender with a reliable outside shot and playoff experience. He can slot in as a rotational guard and provide insurance should Gary Payton II leave in free agency.
Melton is also a familiar face. The former Warrior signed with Golden State last offseason and quickly became an early-season fan favorite. But after just six games, he tore his ACL in a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks in November and was sidelined for the rest of the year. His expiring deal was later used in the trade that brought in Dennis Schroder, who was then flipped in the Jimmy Butler deal.
A second stint could bring more stability—and a more defined role.
The chatter with De’Anthony Melton to the Lakers has cooled and there has been more “buzz” with him going to the Warriors, per @jovanbuha
A Quiet Offseason for Golden State
So far, the Warriors have yet to make any external additions in free agency. They’ve been linked to veteran big man Al Horford, while Jonathan Kuminga — still a member of the team — is mulling over his options as a restricted free agent after receiving a qualifying offer from Golden State.
According to Anthony Slater, the Sacramento Kings made an offer for Kuminga—reportedly involving Devin Carter, Dario Šarić, and two second-round picks—but Golden State viewed it as a buy-low attempt.
The Warriors are still weighing their options with Kuminga. Until his situation is resolved, it’s unlikely they’ll overextend. But Melton could be the exception.
The Golden State Warriors are seeking a promising young player and a first-round pick in a sign-and-trade involving Jonathan Kuminga, per @anthonyVslater
The Kings reportedly offered Devin Carter, Dario Šarić, and two second-round picks
The Wizards, Bucks, Heat, Bulls, and
What Melton Would Bring to the Warriors
At his best, Melton is a two-way guard who defends well at the point of attack and knocks down open threes. He averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in just six games with the Golden State Warriors last season, shooting efficiently before an early injury cut his campaign short.
Whether Golden State sees him as a spot starter or bench weapon, Melton would provide valuable depth around Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler — especially after the recent loss of Kevon Looney to the Pelicans.
