Warriors Add Ex-$34 Million 76ers Guard in 1st Post-Klay Thompson Move
The Golden State Warriors reacted quickly to the news that Klay Thompson is headed to the Dallas Mavericks in NBA free agency. Golden State agreed to terms with former Philadelphia 76ers guard De’Anthony Melton.
“Free agent De’Anthony Melton plans to sign a one-year, $12.8 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported on July 1, 2024.
Melton was on a four-year, $34.6 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 6-foot-2 guard signed a much shorter contract but upped his average annual salary after agreeing to terms on a one-year, $12.8 million deal with Golden State.
What are the Warriors getting by adding Melton? The guard will not replace Thompson but likely adds some defense, scoring and shooting off the bench. Melton averaged 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 36% from long range in 38 appearances last season.
The guard battled back injuries last season which sidelined him for much of 2023-24. Melton played in 77 contests, including 58 starts, during the 2021-22 season for the Sixers.
The Warriors Moved to Land De’Anthony Melton After Losing Klay Thompson in NBA Free Agency
Golden State was able to agree to terms with Melton after Thompson’s departure opened up this salary slot. NBA teams cannot sign new players to deals until July 6 so anything reported before this date is a non-binding verbal agreement.
