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The Golden State Warriors haven’t made a major free agent splash yet this summer, but that could change soon, and in a big way.
While the team’s front office, led by general manager Mike Dunleavy, has been eyeing ways to improve the roster, progress has stalled. Much of that is due to Jonathan Kuminga’s unresolved restricted free agency, which has tied up the Warriors’ cap space and limited their flexibility in signing other players.
Still, the team is actively looking to add proven veterans to support their core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, and one potential move could be a game-changer.
NBA insider Peter O’Keefe of FanSided reports that the Warriors are close to bringing back De’Anthony Melton, a strong two-way guard who previously played for the team. Though the signing hasn’t been made official, O’Keefe believes Melton’s return could be one of the best under-the-radar moves of the offseason.
Last season, Melton played just six games with Golden State before suffering a partial ACL tear. Despite the small sample size, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals, while shooting a solid 37.1% from three on nearly six attempts per game. His defensive rating of 110 per 100 possessions speaks to his impact, especially for a 6-foot-2 guard.
Melton has earned a reputation as a strong perimeter defender who thrives in high-pressure situations. If healthy, he could be a perfect fit alongside Curry, Butler, and Green, not only adding much-needed defensive toughness but also helping stretch the floor on offence.
Adding Melton would give the Warriors more lineup versatility, especially against teams with elite scorers. Pairing him with Green and Butler, two of the league’s most experienced defenders, could help Golden State re-establish itself as one of the best defensive units in the NBA.
While fans may be frustrated with how slow the offseason has moved, a healthy Melton returning to the rotation could be exactly what the team needs to fuel another deep playoff run in 2025–26.