De’Anthony Melton is expected to rejoin the Golden State Warriors for the 2025-26 NBA season following a full recovery from ACL surgery last November. The Warriors, working to finalize contracts for Melton and veteran center Al Horford, are awaiting clarity on Jonathan Kuminga’s future before completing these deals.
Steve Kerr originally advocated for bringing Melton, formerly of the Philadelphia 76ers, to Golden State in the 2024-25 season. Melton signed a one-year contract and showed promise before suffering a partial ACL tear that required surgery. Subsequently, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dennis Schroder but is now poised to return to the Warriors roster.
Draymond Green Praises Melton’s Impact and Hopes for Return
Warriors star Draymond Green has expressed strong support for Melton’s return, emphasizing the positive influence Melton had on the team both on and off the court. Green highlighted the young guard’s attitude and presence as key contributions beyond his playing ability.
“What he was bringing to this team was great, so we’ll miss that. But what we’ll miss more is just his presence around, his attitude, his demeanor every single day. Always smiling, never upset about anything, just always bringing great vibes,”
Green told ESPN.
“You hate to see a young guy in a contract year go through this,”
he added.
“But I know the imprint he’s already left on this organization. He’ll have an opportunity to come back and hopefully he’ll decide that’s the right thing for him.”
Melton’s Performance and Potential Contributions
At 27 years old, Melton remains a valuable asset for the Warriors with the potential to strengthen the team‘s guard rotation. In six appearances for Golden State during the previous season, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Defensively, he contributed 1.2 steals while playing slightly more than 20 minutes per game.
His absence due to injury coincided with a slump for the Warriors, which has fueled optimism about his return. The prospect of Melton rejoining the squad is well received in the locker room as the team seeks to maintain its competitive edge in the coming season.
Next Steps for the Warriors’ Roster Decisions
The Warriors’ management is progressing toward securing deals for Melton and Horford, contingent on the outcome of ongoing talks surrounding Jonathan Kuminga’s status. These moves reflect the team’s approach to reinforcing key positions while balancing contract considerations as they prepare for the 2025-26 campaign.
With Draymond Green actively supporting Melton’s comeback, the Warriors appear poised to regain a crucial player whose skill set and character contributed significantly before his injury setback.