NBA Rumors Suggest Warriors Could Move on From Former 76ers Player

The Golden State Warriors could move on from De'Anthony Melton.

Nov 12, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (8) loses control of the ball next to Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Over the offseason, multiple Philadelphia 76ers players joined the Golden State Warriors. At this point, one of them might be moving on soon.

Recently, former Sixers guard De’Anthony Melton has been dealing with multiple setbacks. First, he missed time due to a back injury. After returning, Melton’s stint was once again short-lived as he suffered an unfortunate knee injury.

At this point, Melton has made the tough decision to undergo surgery. When the Warriors announced the plans earlier this week, they made it clear that Melton’s 2024-2025 season has concluded prematurely.

De’Anthony Melton, who has missed the last two games due to a sprained left ACL, underwent further testing to determine the extent of the injury.

The tests indicated that it is in De’Anthony’s best interest to proceed with ACL surgery. He is scheduled for surgery in the near… pic.twitter.com/bdW2TOfJvs

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) November 21, 2024

Now, the veteran guard is rumored to be a potential trade candidate

NBA Insider Jake Fischer recently acknowledged the idea of Golden State moving Melton’s salary in a trade, noting they would clearly have to add an additional player or draft compensation to get it done. While that scenario doesn’t have a ton of steam to it at the moment, it’s something to keep an eye on as December 15 approaches.

Over the summer, Melton hit the free agency market as an unrestricted prospect following his two-year run with the Sixers. He signed with the Warriors on a $12.8 million contract. It was a prove-it deal for Melton.

While it’s unfortunate that Melton’s injury cut his stint way short, he left a great lasting impression as the Warriors were impressed with what he brought to the table through six games.

"He was not only a perfect fit for what they're doing, but also a perfect fit for their system. ... The timing really, really does suck."

- Dan Devone on the impact of De'Anthony Melton's season-ending injury.

🎧https://t.co/M3JZX7owJc pic.twitter.com/dBrOdbkIq8

— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) November 23, 2024

Spending 20 minutes on the court per game, Melton averaged ten points, three assists, and three rebounds. He attempted roughly six threes per game, knocking down 37 percent of his long-range attempts.

When Melton spent two seasons with the Sixers, he posted similar numbers across 115 games. The veteran produced ten points per game on 38 percent shooting from deep. He also accounted for four rebounds, three assists, and two steals per game.

Melton has a long recovery ahead. It’s unclear what’s next for him, but he’s on pace to get another opportunity to find his next situation via free agency next summer.