De’Anthony Melton is in the middle of his second season playing for the Golden State Warriors.
After missing most of last season due to injury, he is currently averaging 13.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals per contest while shooting 41.5% from the field and 28.8% from three-point range in 42 games.
Golden State Warriors Could Lose Key Player In Free Agency
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 20: De’anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after he was called for a foul against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Chase Center on January 20, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Recently, Melton did an interview with 95.7 The Game.
He was asked about his upcoming player-option for the 2026-27 season.
Melton: “I’ve been in this league a decent amount of time… I’ve put in a lot of time, effort and work into this… I think that should be rewarded… At the end of the day, you want to get rewarded for your services.”
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 03: De’anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after making a three-point shot against the Utah Jazz in the first half at Chase Center on January 03, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
If Melton does decide to opt out, he would be an intriguing addition to plenty of teams around the league.
Therefore, the Warriors could potentially lose one of their best role players.
Melton’s NBA Career
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 02: De’anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the LA Clippers at Chase Center on March 02, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Melton was the 46th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of USC.
Over eight seasons he has spent time with the Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns (in addition to the Warriors).
The NBA wrote (on March 21): “DE’ANTHONY MELTON SEALS IT FOR THE WARRIORS IN OT!
A clutch putback finish to cap his 23-POINT night!”
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 29: De’Anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors dunks the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 29, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
His career averages are 9.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 41.1% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range in 398 games.
He has also appeared in 27 NBA playoff games with the 76ers and Grizzlies.
Golden State Right Now
The Warriors are currently the 10th seed in the Western Conference with a 35-38 record in 73 games.
They are in the middle of a two-game winning streak (and 3-7 over their last ten).
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 13: De’anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket and gets fouled by Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first half at Chase Center on March 13, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
On Friday night, the Warriors will play their next game when they host the Washington Wizards at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
Golden State Warriors Could Lose Key Player In NBA Free Agency