And it seems he agrees.
In case you missed it, last week the Golden State Warriors were linked to free agent combo guard De’Anthony Melton, who was last employed by the Brooklyn Nets, but who last played for the Warriors. Marc Stein and Jake Fischer called the Dubs a “strong contender” to sign Melton, while internet sleuths found that Melton had started following the Warriors on his Instagram account.
When the offseason began, I felt that there was only one question regarding the Warriors and Melton: would the 27-year old be willing to return to the team that had salary-dumped him in the middle of an injury?
Nothing that the Warriors did was immoral, problematic, or even at all slimy. Melton, signed to a one-year contract, was out for the season after tearing his ACL, and the Dubs were in desperate need of help. They flipped him, Reece Beekman, and a trio of second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dennis Schröder and a second-round pick, then later used Schröder’s contract as part of the deal for Jimmy Butler III. Melton, meanwhile, spent the year rehabbing and preparing for the 2025-26 season.
Even though it wasn’t dirty, it’s a move that often leaves a sour taste in a player’s mouth. Being salary dumped is never fun, even when you know your season is over. Some players, though, are a little better at separating the business aspect of the sport from their feeling of being slighted, and it appears that Melton is one of those players. It seems clear that he holds no ill will, and is open to a reunion, which means there’s a new question to consider.
Can they do whatever is necessary to sign him?
Because the Dubs should do whatever they have to in the pursuit of convincing Melton to re-sign with them. He only played six games with the Warriors before suffering his injury, but those six — especially the last few — were more than enough to show have perfect and seamless the fit was. His defensive chops and excellent basketball IQ made him a flawless fit alongside Steph Curry, while his playmaking and creativity allowed him to run the second unit. He was tough, selfless, clearly respected by Curry and Draymond Green, and needed no time figuring out Steve Kerr’s systems on both offense and defense. His shooting was vital.
Butler’s arrival solved some of the issues brought upon the Warriors by being so reliant on Curry, but the need for help remains, especially in the event of another Curry injury. We’re all excited about Brandin Podziemski’s third season, but his skillset is not one that the team should rely on to steady the ship and run the offense. They need a high-quality veteran guard, be it a true point guard or a steady and stable combo guard.
Melton makes too much sense. Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Kerr thought Melton was a perfect fit last offseason, and after a training camp and six games, they were proven correct. Which means, with the position as much of a question mark now as it was then, that Melton is still a perfect fit.
The Warriors need to make it happen.