Report: Melton plans to head west, signs with Warriors on 1-year deal originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
After two seasons, De’Anthony Melton’s time with the Sixers is over.
The North Hollywood, California native has agreed to join the Golden State Warriors, signing a one-year, $12.8 million contract, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported.
When healthy, Melton often gave the Sixers a boost with sharp defensive instincts, outside shooting and top-tier rebounding for his position. The 26-year-old became a key piece for the Sixers after arriving from Memphis in a draft-night trade two years ago. Melton has started 58 games in the 2022-23 season and is averaging 10.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game.
However, he played much of that year with a back problem, and his 2023-24 campaign was derailed by a recurring lumbar spine injury. Melton played just 38 regular-season games and a total of seven minutes in the playoffs.
During his exit interview, he said he did not need surgery in the off-season.
“We’ve talked about it, but no,” he told reporters. “No surgery, which is very good. I think right now I just need to rest and recover, but at the same time strengthen the other things so that this doesn’t come back in any way.”
Melton formed a lighthearted, bantering friendship with teammate Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia.
The All-Star guard admired Melton’s efforts to rehab and return to playoff action last season.
“I think Melt is always an impact player when he’s out there,” Maxey said. “It’s been a journey for him, honestly, but one thing I can say as a colleague and as a friend, he’s really worked.
“There has never been a moment when he was down. He has worked every day to come back. He has not given up. And as a teammate you can only appreciate something like that.”
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