Melton is 28 years old, having celebrated his birthday on May 28. He just completed a comeback season with the Warriors after spending much of the 2024-2025 campaign sidelined by a knee injury. In 2025-2026, he appeared in 49 games, starting 24 of them and logging about 23 minutes per contest. His shooting percentages dipped somewhat, with a 40.7% field-goal mark and a 29.4% clip from three-point range. Across those appearances, Melton averaged 12.3 points, 2.6 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game.
Melton’s NBA journey began after he completed his college career at USC. He entered the league in the 2018 Draft as the 46th overall pick in the second round, selected by the Houston Rockets. He was soon traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he made his NBA debut. The following season, Melton moved to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he spent three seasons before joining the Philadelphia 76ers via a trade during the 2022 NBA Draft. The Sixers acquired him in exchange for Danny Green and a late first-round pick.
With the Sixers, Melton quickly carved out a role as a guard known for his defensive energy and versatility. In his first season with Philadelphia, he appeared in 77 games, averaging 10.1 points, 2.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, while shooting 39.0% from beyond the arc. His second season with the team was plagued by injuries, as he played in 38 games, posting averages of 11.1 points, 3.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. Across his two seasons in Philadelphia, Melton appeared in 12 playoff games.
During the 2024-2025 season, Melton had six appearances with the Warriors before suffering a torn ACL that ultimately led to a trade to Brooklyn. He spent the following season with the Nets, contributing as a veteran guard and providing depth off the bench.
A notable aspect of Melton’s career is his on-court chemistry and chemistry-building ties. He formed a solid connection with Tyrese Maxey during his time with the 76ers, and there has been continued discussion about whether his experience and versatility could benefit a team seeking backcourt depth. While Maxi is joined in the backcourt by other players, Melton’s ability to play multiple guard positions and provide defensive pressure could make him an appealing veteran option for teams looking to bolster their second unit.
From a financial perspective, Melton’s decision to decline the Warriors’ option indicates he’s aiming for a more favorable contract. His market value is expected to be in the two-year range with potential earnings around the mid-teens to high-teens per season, depending on the bidder and role offered. A figure in the vicinity of $16 million to $18 million per year would not be surprising for a player with Melton’s experience and skill set, though actual figures will hinge on team needs, cap space, and Melton’s health heading into free agency.
For a team evaluating guard depth and defensive identity, Melton could be an attractive option as a secondary playmaker who can contribute as a slasher, secondary ball-handler, and disruptive defender. His fit would depend on the surrounding roster and how a team values his shooting efficiency and durability. If a contender seeks to add veteran depth without sacrificing youth, Melton could be a practical add, especially for teams prioritizing stability and defensive tenacity off the bench.
In terms of the Philadelphia 76ers’ outlook, the team has several decisions to make regarding its free agents and internal roster construction. Key players and decisions surrounding core players, such as Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, shape any potential pursuit of Melton. The Sixers will also weigh other in-house options and available cap space when evaluating backcourt upgrades or depth at multiple positions. The possibility remains that Melton could explore opportunities with teams prioritizing a guard who can contribute immediately on both ends of the floor, though the Sixers may also pursue frontcourt options or other positions depending on their strategic direction and cap considerations.
Overall, De’Anthony Melton’s move to test the free-agent market after declining his option with the Warriors positions him as an intriguing on-court گزینه for teams seeking experienced guards who can defend, create, and provide reliable secondary scoring. As the market develops, his value will be determined by his health status, the offers he receives, and how teams value his versatility and veteran presence in the locker room.
Note: This article consolidates public-facing information about Melton’s career trajectory, his injury history, and standard contract expectations based on typical free-agent markets for players with a similar profile.
