De’Anthony Melton’s season is over.
The Golden State Warriors announced Wednesday night that Melton will undergo season-ending ACL surgery.
Melton went down in the Warriors’ 120-117 win over the Dallas Mavericks last week, although it is unclear exactly when he was injured in that game. Melton, who was recently inserted into the Warriors’ starting lineup, was subsequently ruled out indefinitely due to an ACL sprain in his left knee.
However, further investigation in recent days revealed that it would be in his “best interests” to proceed with surgery rather than attempt to return to the court this season. Melton will now do that for years to come.
Melton joined the Warriors last offseason on a one-year, $12.8 million contract after spending the past two seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. He averaged 10.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in six games with Golden State. He scored 16.5 points and seven rebounds per game when he entered the starting lineup. The 26-year-old also missed five games due to lower back problems.
While Melton should be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season, it is unclear where he will end up. Melton will be a free agent next summer. While he looked solid for the Warriors early this season, the team may not be willing to sign him to a new contract, especially since he is nursing an ACL injury. Melton was first selected in the second round of the 2018 draft and spent time with both the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies before landing in Philadelphia.
The Warriors entered Wednesday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks with a 10-3 record, giving them a slight lead in the Western Conference standings. They are undefeated after two games and also lead their group in the NBA Cup. The Warriors will take on the New Orleans Pelicans next Friday in their third tournament game of the season.
