The NBA free agency frenzy kicked off with a flurry of blockbuster deals, but as the dust settles, the market has cooled with most marquee names already snatched up. Yet, the rumor mill continues to churn, with high-profile players like Jonathan Kuminga, Chris Paul, and Al Horford still searching for contracts for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, whispers out of Phoenix suggest Suns star Bradley Beal is on the verge of a buyout, shaking up the league’s landscape further.
While the spotlight shines on these big names, savvy teams are quietly hunting for under-the-radar gems to round out their rosters. One such player, De’Anthony Melton, has emerged as a hot commodity, with two Western Conference powerhouses—the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors—locked in a tug-of-war for his signature. However, a stunning twist has shifted the tide in this high-stakes chase.
The chatter with De’Anthony Melton to the Lakers has cooled and there has been more “buzz” with him going to the Warriors, per @jovanbuha pic.twitter.com/te24iAjZRe
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 8, 2025
According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, the buzz surrounding Melton’s potential move to Los Angeles has fizzled out. Just days ago, the Lakers were reportedly in pole position to land the versatile guard, but the Golden State Warriors have now surged ahead as the frontrunners. This sudden shift has left Lakers fans reeling and Warriors supporters buzzing with excitement.
Melton, a defensive dynamo with a reliable outside shot, is no stranger to the Warriors. He inked a one-year deal with Golden State last offseason but was plagued by injuries, limiting him to just six games. Despite his brief stint, the Warriors saw enough potential to leverage his expiring contract in a savvy trade for Dennis Schroder from the Brooklyn Nets. In a masterful follow-up move, Golden State flipped Schroder to acquire superstar Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, cementing their reputation as trade-deadline wizards.
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 8, 2025
Now, with Melton back on their radar, the Warriors are poised to bring him back into the fold. Whether slotted as a starter or a key reserve, Melton’s tenacious defense and floor-spacing ability make him an ideal fit for Steve Kerr’s system. His familiarity with the organization could give Golden State an edge in negotiations, especially as they brace for the potential departure of defensive stalwart Gary Payton II.
For the Lakers, losing out on Melton is a bitter pill to swallow. The 26-year-old guard would have been a perfect complement to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, bolstering their perimeter defense and adding much-needed shooting. With the Warriors swooping in, Los Angeles is left scrambling to find another piece to complete their championship puzzle.
As free agency continues to unfold, all eyes are on Golden State to see if they can seal the deal with Melton and further solidify their roster. One thing is clear: the Warriors’ front office is playing chess while others play checkers, and this latest heist could propel them closer to another title run.