While there's no replacing franchise icon Klay Thompson, the Warriors wasted no time Monday trying to fill the void.
Golden State is planning to sign free agent guard De'Anthony Melton to a one-year, $12.8 million contract, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported Monday, citing sources.
Melton was selected in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, but was traded to the Phoenix Suns before the start of his rookie season.
With Phoenix, he appeared in 50 games (31 starts) during the 2018-19 season, averaging 5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 steals in 19.7 minutes per game.
In July 2019, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies and played a key role off the bench for the next three seasons, winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2021-22. In his three seasons with the Grizzlies, he appeared in 185 games, averaging 9.3 points, 41.2% field goal shooting and 36.8% three-point shooting, along with 3.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 steals.
Melton spent the past two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, coming off a season in which he averaged a career-high in scoring (11.1 points per game) while also being a defensive dominance.
The 26-year-old will provide a strong defensive presence for Golden State as the team yearns to return to NBA championship contention.
Download and follow the Dubs Talk podcast
