De’Anthony Melton signs one-year, $12.8 million deal with Warriors

De’Anthony Melton signs one-year, $12.8 million deal with Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have signed free agent guard De’Anthony Melton to a one-year deal worth $12.8 million, NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic was first to report Monday.

Free agent De'Anthony Melton plans to sign a one-year, $12.8 million deal with the Golden State Warriors, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/LfBenYVJ7T

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2024

The Warriors are using their full mid-level exception to sign Melton, thus hard-capping themselves below the $178.1 million second apron. They build up space below the aprons after releasing Paul. By signing Melton, they are still $11.8 million below the luxury tax and nearly $20 million below the first apron, according to Spotac.

Melton has been a very serviceable 3-and-D guard throughout his six-year career. He averaged a career-best 11.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals last season, shooting 36.0 percent from 3-point range on 5.6 attempts and 83.5 percent from the free-throw line. Though his season was shortened to 38 games due to a back injury.

Klay Thompson signs three-year, $50 million deal with Mavericks

Those are tricky to manage and forecast as time goes on, but taking a mid-level flier on Melton could be a worthwhile one. He may not be the (movement) shooter or draw as much shooter gravity as Klay Thompson–who signed a three-year deal with Dallas–but he’s a much better defender than him at this stage of their careers.

Golden State’s guards had a difficult time staying in front of defenders. Melton, who’s 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan and good foot speed, doesn’t necessarily have that problem. He’s a quality 3-and-D presence who could fit alongside second-year guard Brandin Podziemski and forward Jonathan Kuminga, among others.

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This is a breaking news story. Stay tuned for updates.

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