Golden State is in the running to bring back a former standout guard.
Warriors Now 'Strong Contender' to Re-Sign Former Guard: Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Golden State Warriors have now emerged as a "strong contender" to re-sign a key former guard.
Golden State has, to date, not made any major summer moves to improve its roster.
The Warriors have been in something of a holding pattern while they play chicken with one of the year's most curious restricted free agents, 6-foot-8 Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga.
The 22-year-old appears to be hoping for big money and a bigger, more consistent role in 2025-26, be that with the Warriors or elsewhere.
Given Kuminga's erratic two-way play and Golden State head coach Steve Kerr's inconsistent minutes allocations for the 2022 champion, it seems like both parties would welcome a divorce via sign-and-trade.
In the meantime, the Warriors are angling for a reunion with another key piece from their 2024-25 roster.
Sources tell Marc Stein of The Stein Line that Golden State is looking to bring back former Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton, with whom the team parted early last year after he suffered a season-ending partial ACL tear.
Golden State is also still circling free agent Boston Celtics power forward/center Al Horford, Stein hears.
The Warriors have emerged as a strong contender to bring back De'Anthony Melton in free agency, league sources tell @TheSteinLine, in addition to Golden State's well-chronicled interest in signing Al Horford.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 8, 2025
More NBA from @JakeLFischer and me: https://t.co/C3JzgMioXLpic.twitter.com/YFZLRkyE7R
Melton had inked a one-year, $12.8 million non-taxpayer's mid-level extension contract with the Warriors last summer. Across six healthy contests (including two starts), Melton averaged 10.3 points on a .407/.371/.625 slash line, 3.3 boards, and 2.8 dimes. He had emerged as a key two-way backcourt cog, with fans and pundits alike applauding his defensive fit alongside 11-time All-Star guard Stephen Curry.
In December 2024 — a month after it was revealed that he would require a surgery to repair his knee — the Warriors traded Melton, point guard Reece Bakman and three future second round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for veteran point guard Dennis Schröder and a 2025 second.
Golden State eventually rerouted Schröder to the Detroit Pistons as part of its five-time blockbuster trade for six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler. Butler's acquisition singlehandedly reignited the Warriors' 2024-25 season, improving the club to a 48-34 record and an eventual second round playoff exit.
Related: Al Horford to Warriors Receives Update After Lakers' Decision
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
