Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton underwent surgery on Wednesday in Los Angeles to repair a partially torn ACL in his left knee, the team announced in a press release.
It was initially reported over two weeks ago that Melton would undergo season-ending surgery to address a left ACL injury, though this is the first time the team referred to that injury as a partial tear.
According to the Warriors, the plan is for Melton to begin rehabilitation on the knee in the coming weeks. He’s expected to make a full recovery prior to the start of the 2025/26 season.
The next step for the Warriors will likely be to apply for a disabled player exception, a salary cap exception that can be awarded to teams who lose a player to a season-ending injury. It would be worth approximately $6.4MM, half of Melton’s $12,822,000 salary.
Although Golden State could theoretically use that exception to sign a free agent to a one-year contract or to acquire (via trade or waiver claim) a player on an expiring deal, the team is less than $600K away from its hard cap, so taking on additional salary isn’t really an option at this point. Assuming the Warriors are granted a disabled player exception, they’d have to move off some salary to make use of it.
Melton’s $12.8MM expiring contract could also be used as a salary-matching piece in a trade prior to the February 6 deadline. If the Warriors go that route before using their disabled player exception, they would forfeit that exception.
Let the wild speculation begin. Send Melton to the Nets for Williams and Sharpe. Then, flip Williams plus GPII to another team for a guard with who can shoot the 3, handle the ball, and defend. I haven’t researched enough of the potentially available guards. But, Williams and GPII gives them about $15 million to work with. Sharpe gives them big man depth.
What are you including with Melton? He’s out for the year. The Nets have no incentive to take him without compensation.
The Nets are rebuilding. Williams has been passed on the depth chart. There is speculation that they want to move Sharpe. So, they clear out a bit more salary cap space for free agency. And, they can use the roster spot look at potential 2-way players. A bit more administrative. But, as I said, wild speculation.
Williams cannot get traded until 60 days right after he gets dealt hypothecially.
Make it a 3 team deal. Klay’s trade to the Mavericks started out with just the 2 teams. It eventually expanded to like 6.
Best of luck with the surgery De”Anthony! Here’s to a quick and complete recovery as we love to see you back in a Warrior’s uniform next season.
In a way, there is an upside to this. His rehab will include strengthening some core muscles, which support the back. Also, the Warriors can bring him back at a much lower salary and avoid a Donte situation. Continuity is great in team sports.
Best possible result: trade Melton and his (very important) cap slot, he goes back to FA, and GSW re-signs him at like $4M on a “prove you arent made of glass” deal.
GSW should replace him with Elfrid Payton!
Warriors gotta pick up Markelle Fultz!!! He brings defense, passing and rim pressure!
Trade Melton, Payton and a pick for Nikola Vucevic. Sign E Payton, promote Post, look at young C’s and PG’s.
Drummond, Janos Val, Kelly Olynyk, Nikola Vucevic, Capela, Steven Adams, Jacob Poe.., Walker Kessler etc etc etc etc.
Or trade Melton and a pick to Detroit for a pick. Start Looney, promote Post and look at a young C for a two way contract. Keep a eye out for a young PG prospect