The Golden State Warriors received encouraging news about veteran guard De’Anthony Melton, who continues to make steady progress toward his season debut following major knee surgery late last year.
Melton Nears Return After ACL Surgery
The Warriors released a medical update on Wednesday confirming that Melton’s rehabilitation is on schedule and trending in a positive direction.
“Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton, who underwent surgery to repair a torn left ACL on December 4, 2024, continues to make good progress with his rehabilitation,” the team announced in its latest medical bulletin. “He has intensified his individual and small group on-court workouts and will be integrated into team practice over the next two weeks, including with the Santa Cruz Warriors. He will be re-evaluated again in three weeks.”
Melton, 27, suffered the ACL tear in November 2024 — just six games into his first season with Golden State — after signing as a key free-agent addition. The two-way guard is expected to make a full recovery before rejoining the team later this season.
Before the injury, Melton averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals while starting twice alongside Stephen Curry in the backcourt. His defensive instincts and perimeter shooting helped the Warriors open the season 12–2 before the injury derailed their momentum.
How Melton’s Injury Altered the Warriors’ Season
Getty De’Anthony Melton’s injury led to the Jimmy Butler trade for the Golden State Warriors.
After Melton went down, the Warriors struggled to maintain their rhythm, slipping to 11th place in the Western Conference before revamping their roster. The team traded for Jimmy Butler, a move that helped stabilize the rotation and push Golden State back into playoff contention.
In a series of midseason moves, Melton was briefly traded to the Brooklyn Nets for Dennis Schröder, who was later flipped in the Butler deal — a move that ultimately kept Melton tied to the Warriors’ long-term plans.
“Business is business at the end of the day. I probably would’ve traded myself, too,” Melton said of the trade. “You needed someone, especially at my contract, who could come in and play and help the team. So I felt no type of way and I understood.”
Melton Seen as Ideal Backcourt Partner for Curry
Longtime NBC Sports Bay Area columnist Monte Poole reported on the Dubs Talk podcast in September that Melton has been ramping up his workouts at Chase Center.
“From what I understand, he’s progressing well,” Poole said. “If Melton is fully cleared, that means he’s able to do the things they need him to do. And if he’s able to do that, he should be the starter.”
Poole argued that Melton’s defensive edge makes him the perfect fit alongside Curry.
“You want someone next to Steph who’s a two-way player,” Poole said. “Buddy [Hield] gives effort, but he’s not a great defender. Melton is a good on-ball defender and has a great feel for team defense. That lets Steph be Steph.”
Rotation Decisions Loom for Steve Kerr
The Warriors have started the season 4–1 without Melton, using Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and Butler in rotating backcourt and wing combinations next to Curry. Coach Steve Kerr has leaned on Curry, Butler, Draymond Green, and Kuminga as his primary core, leaving one starting spot flexible depending on matchups.
Once Melton is cleared for full contact, his return could quickly reshape Golden State’s guard rotation. His combination of defense, playmaking, and transition scoring gives the Warriors an edge they’ve missed since his injury.
If all goes according to plan, Melton’s re-evaluation in three weeks could align with his long-awaited season debut in late November or early December — giving the Warriors another veteran weapon for their playoff push.
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