In one of the biggest moves of 2024 NBA free agency, Klay Thompson is headed to the Dallas Mavericks. But, you probably already read about that here. What just occurred more recently was the Golden State Warriors signing a starting shooting guard who’s about to enter the prime of his career.
Warriors Sign Backcourt Help After Losing All-Star
Free agent De'Anthony Melton plans to sign a one-year, $12.8 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/LfBenYVJ7T
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2024
De’Anthony Melton has spent the last few years playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. Initially drafted in the second round by the Houston Rockets, Melton began his career in Phoenix (after a draft day trade). He put up modest numbers, but nothing terrible for a second-rounder. After one year, however, Melton was traded to the Grizzlies. Soon after, he signed a four-year deal with them. However, midway through that deal, the Grizzlies traded him to the 76ers for Danny Green, where he spent the past two seasons.
Considering many 2nd round picks don’t even play a second in the NBA, the return on Melton has been great. He really broke out in Memphis, serving as Ja Morant‘s backup. Melton even finished 8th in the Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2022. However, in Philly, both his role and minutes increased. Melton averaged 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists this past year for the 76ers. He shot an above-average 36% from three and started in 87% of the games he appeared in. He’s not great at attacking the rim, as he shot 38.6% from the field last year. However, on the Warriors, spacing is never a problem.
Melton’s Fit
When Stephen Curry drives to the basket and draws two or three defenders, Melton will be one of the guys left wide open, able to knock down open threes. He’ll likely be splitting minutes with the Warriors’ star rookie guard, Brandin Podziemski, and they’ll take turns knocking down those threes. One of the other important upsides to Melton, however, is his defense. Melton is solid on the perimeter with very active hands, averaging a steal and a half per game throughout his entire career.
While Melton won’t be able to fully replace Thompson and his incredible three-point shooting, he’s a solid piece of Flex Tape that will keep the leak sealed…for now. It’ll also be incredibly important for the Warriors that Podziemski takes another leap for the better; that is, if they want to continue to be contenders while Curry is still in the NBA. Curry is 36 years old, Draymond Green is 34 years old, and they aren’t getting any younger. Pretty soon, it’ll be Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Andrew Wiggins carrying this team forward. If they’re aiming for one last title run, Melton will definitely help them out.
