The Golden State Warriors have announced that veteran guard De'Anthony Melton will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season due to a significant ACL injury that will necessitate surgery. Initially assessed as a sprained left ACL, further evaluations revealed that surgical intervention was the best course of action for Melton's knee.
This offseason, the Warriors made a series of notable roster changes, with Klay Thompson departing for the Dallas Mavericks in a sign-and-trade agreement. In contrast, the team welcomed Melton, along with Buddy Hield and Kyle Anderson, through free agency. Hield has assimilated seamlessly into the Warriors' lineup, contributing an average of 16.9 points per game while shooting an impressive 46.2 percent from three-point range in a bench role. Conversely, Anderson has struggled to find his rhythm, averaging 5.5 points and 2.7 assists per game in a limited capacity.
At 26 years old, Melton was acquired mainly for his defensive prowess but managed to average 10.3 points across six appearances, including two starts, while shooting 37.1 percent from beyond the arc. When in form, he is regarded as a valuable 3-and-D player on the perimeter. However, his past season was marred by injuries, leading to his presence in only 38 games. His recent injury not only sidelines him but also raises uncertainties regarding his future in free agency, as he is now entering the market again with health concerns. Despite Melton being one of the candidates for Golden State's fifth starter position, with incumbents like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Trayce Jackson-Davis firmly established in the lineup, Melton's absence is a notable setback. The Warriors are expected to file for a Disabled Player Exception due to Melton's injury, valued at $6.4 million, which accounts for 50 percent of his salary. Nevertheless, the team finds itself just $534,000 below the first apron, limiting their ability to exceed the threshold.
