Latest news with #De'AnthonyMelton
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Eye $12,822,000 Golden State Warriors Guard to Boost Backcourt and Improve LeBron Title Odds
LeBron James at the Playoffs against the Timberwolves (Image via Imagn). The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly considering a move for Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton this offseason. After a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers are looking to strengthen their roster, particularly their backcourt depth. Melton, a 27-year-old two-way player, could provide the defensive grit and outside shooting the Lakers need. Why De'Anthony Melton Fits the Los Angeles Lakers The Los Angeles Lakers struggled with depth in their playoff run, especially in the backcourt. De'Anthony Melton, a 6-foot-2 combo guard, brings experience, perimeter defense, and reliable three-point shooting—qualities that would complement stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic. LeBron James in Game 2 (Image via Imagn) Before suffering a season-ending ACL sprain, Melton showed promise in his short stint with the Warriors, averaging: - 10.3 points - 3.3 rebounds - 2.8 assists - 1.2 steals - 37.1% three-point shooting (on a career-high 5.8 attempts per game) Dean Simon of The Sporting News notes: "Melton could be utilized as a perfect backcourt partner for the slower-footed Doncic on the defensive end and a consistent catch-and-shoot threat on offense." Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors: The Battle for De'Anthony Melton Golden State may try to re-sign De'Anthony Melton on a team-friendly deal to keep him alongside Stephen Curry . However, the Lakers could offer a more lucrative contract, potentially swaying the guard to join their championship pursuit. De'Anthony Melton's previous success as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate (2021-22 with the Memphis Grizzlies) makes him an attractive option for a Lakers team in need of reliable bench production. Key Reasons Los Angeles Lakers Should Pursue Melton - Elite Perimeter Defense – Helps contain opposing guards. - Reliable Three-Point Shooting – Addresses spacing issues. - Playoff Experience – Contributed to deep postseason runs with Memphis and Golden State. - Affordable Contract – Estimated at around $12 million per year. While center remains the Lakers' top priority, adding a guard like Melton would significantly improve their rotation. His ability to defend multiple positions and knock down open threes makes him an ideal fit alongside James and Doncic. If the Lakers can outbid the Warriors, Melton could become a key piece in their quest for another title. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Could Bag $13,372,418 Utah Jazz Rookie to bolster team around deadly Luka-LeBron duo; Austin Reaves key trade asset? Would you like Melton on the Lakers, or should they prioritize other positions? Let us know your thoughts.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers And Warriors Could Emerge As Potential Destinations For Defensive Specialist
As NBA free agency approaches, two of the league's most storied franchises, the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are reportedly circling one of the league's most underrated defensive specialists: De'Anthony Melton. Both teams are expected to undergo significant roster reshaping this offseason, and Melton's name has quietly emerged as a low-cost, high-upside option. Advertisement According to The Athletic's Anthony Slater, the Warriors have identified Melton as a potential target. Meanwhile, Lakers insider Jovan Buha has echoed similar interest from the purple and gold, suggesting both franchises are weighing the former Sixer as a possible backcourt addition. Melton, just 26, fits the mold of a buy-low candidate with proven two-way value. His 2024-25 season was marred by a torn ACL after playing just six games, during which he averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals on efficient shooting splits 40.7% from the field and a strong 37.1% from three. Following his injury, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets but didn't log a single minute with them. Though durability concerns linger, Melton's track record before his injury paints a clearer picture. He was a vital piece on the Memphis Grizzlies during their rise and later flourished with the Philadelphia 76ers, carving out a niche as a perimeter pest who could guard both guard spots, knock down open threes, and contribute as a secondary playmaker. Advertisement His defensive versatility is his calling card. Melton routinely guarded the opposing team's best perimeter threat, and his quick hands and off-ball awareness made him a disruptive force. For teams like the Lakers and Warriors, both of whom struggled on the defensive end against quicker guards in the 2025 playoffs, adding a player like Melton is as much about fixing a structural weakness as it is about rounding out their rotations. Financially, Melton earned over $12 million last season but is expected to command a far smaller deal this time around due to his injury and lack of availability. League insiders suggest he may sign a short-term 'prove-it' deal one or two years in length, in hopes of rebuilding his market value before hitting free agency again in his late 20s. That could be ideal for contenders like the Lakers and Warriors. Both teams are capped out, but either could squeeze Melton into their plans using part of their mid-level exception or a veteran minimum deal with incentives. Advertisement For Golden State, he'd fit nicely alongside Stephen Curry and potentially replace some of the defensive energy lost in recent years. For the Lakers, Melton could slide into a crucial bench role or even start alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, giving JJ Redick a much-needed perimeter stopper. With the market for elite defense at a premium, De'Anthony Melton could be one of the smartest signings of the summer. If he returns to form, both the Lakers and Warriors may look back on this as a quiet move that paid championship-level dividends. Related: NBA Rumors: 4 Veterans The Lakers Could Acquire This Offseason
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Could a De'Anthony Melton reunion be an option for the Warriors?
Could a De'Anthony Melton reunion be an option for the Warriors? REPORT: De'Anthony Melton could be an intrigued veteran minimum target for the Warriors, per @anthonyVslater — GSW Ball Report (@GSWBallReport) May 20, 2025 By the start of next season, there's a chance the Golden State Warriors could have multiple new faces on the roster. With the offseason getting underway, different names are being floated as potential free agents and trade targets for the Warriors. Yet, could a reunion be a possible answer for the Warriros in free agency? In an appearance on a recent edition of 'Warriors Plus/Minus,' Anthony Slater of The Athletic mentioned former Warriors De'Anthony Melton could be a target for Golden State on a veteran minimum contract. Via @GSWBallReport on Twitter: The Warriors inked Melton to a one-year deal last summer. After an impressive start as a Warrior, Melton suffered a season-ending ACL injury. The former USC guard quickly fit into Steve Kerr's offense, averaging 10.3 points on 40.7% shooting from the field and 37.1% from deep to go along with 3.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Meltion tallied 10 or more points in his final three games before the injury, including a 19-point performance in a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After suffering his injury, Melton was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a package for veteran guard Dennis Schroder. The six-year veteran is slated to be a free agent again this summer. This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
