The Golden State Warriors have had a near-dormant offseason. Aside from picking up Alex Toohey (No. 52) and Will Richard (No. 56) in the draft via trade, the front office has yet to make a major move.
The biggest holdup remains the restricted free agency of Jonathan Kuminga. Until that situation is resolved, Golden State’s cap sheet is in limbo. The team currently has only nine players under standard contract and is expected to add five or six more in September.
Golden State Linked to De’Anthony Melton
Getty The Warriors have been linked to a reunion with De’Anthony Melton this offseason.
One name drawing buzz is De’Anthony Melton. In his predictions of the top free agents still available, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus noted that several agents and executives around the league believe Melton already has a deal lined up to return to Golden State.
It’s not hard to see why the Warriors would be interested. Melton is a versatile guard who thrives on defense, pushes the pace, and can knock down threes at a respectable clip. He isn’t the kind of star who changes a franchise, but he is exactly the kind of role player who makes a contender deeper.
Why the Warriors Need Him
Golden State is still building around Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. The core is aging. The margin for error has never been thinner. Role players like De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and possibly Seth Curry are the type of pieces that can cover holes. They also give Steve Kerr more flexibility with rotations.
Melton’s defensive chops and ability to play either guard spot make him an easy fit. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective. That matters when sharing the floor with Curry and Butler.
What It Means for the Warriors
If Pincus is right and Melton already has a deal in place, it would be a quietly important move for Golden State. Adding him back to the roster gives the Warriors another trusted defender. A guard who can handle minutes on or off the ball. And a player with experience thriving in a supporting role.
It wouldn’t be a headline-grabbing signing. But it’s the type of addition that balances a roster. With Curry still at an elite level, Butler bringing veteran edge, and Green anchoring the defense, Melton could be one of the glue guys who helps keep Golden State in the fight out West.
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