Steve Kerr Hyped Beyond Measure With $6,532,700 Do-It-All Guard Near Return That Could Transform Warriors

The Golden State Warriors brough back De’Anthony Melton in October via a two-year, $6.5 million deal. He first signed with the Dubs in July 2024 before a torn ACL in November cut his season short. Golden State sent him to Brooklyn as part of a trade that allowed Dennis Schroder to team up with Steph Curry and Co.

Melton returned to the Bay Area in the offseason after coach Steve Kerr expressed interest in re-acquiring him. Now that Melton is ready to contribute again, Kerr is excited to have the veteran guard. On the “Willard & Dibs” podcast on Monday, the multi-titled coach had this to say about Melton’s impending return:

“I’m really excited to get Melton back. It’s exciting to think about plugging him in because he’s another two-way player, and a guy who can play at a high level and survive well on both ends.”

The Warriors had just completed a sign-and-trade deal with the Dallas Mavericks for Klay Thompson when De’Anthony Melton joined the Dubs. Kerr wanted Melton to shore up the team’s shooting and defense. The former Philadelphia 76ers guard averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Golden State went 4-2 when Melton played.

Kerr often puts Moses Moody or rookie Will Richard in the No. 2 spot alongside Steph Curry. With Melton, he has a proven shooter and defender to slot in beside the two-time MVP. Curry’s quad injury, which will force him to sit out for a few more games, will only make Melton’s return even more crucial.

De’Anthony Melton highlights shooting and defense as main contributions to Warriors

De’Anthony Melton talked to reporters after the Warriors’ practice on Monday. He responded when asked about what he could contribute to the team:

“To playmake, defense to IQ, I think I bring all those stuff to the table. Just also being a secondary ball handler out there. … My ability to shoot and defend is something I feel just like any team can use.”

Although only 6-foot-2, De’Anthony Melton plays much bigger than his size, often playing at small forward with the 76ers. Melton’s positional versatility will give Kerr even more options with his ultra-small-ball lineups.

The Warriors ruled out Melton for Tuesday’s game against the OKC Thunder. He will reportedly return during the team’s three-game road trip, which will start on Thursday in Philadelphia.