Contenders Identified for Potential Signing of De'Anthony Melton with the Warriors
**Golden State Warriors in the 2025 NBA Free Agency: Focus on De'Anthony Melton and Al Horford**
The Golden State Warriors are making strategic moves in the 2025 NBA free agency, with De'Anthony Melton and Al Horford emerging as key targets. While there is no definitive update on Horford's potential signing, Melton is being heavily considered alongside players like Malcolm Brogdon, Trey Lyles, Precious Achiuwa, and Ben Simmons.
De'Anthony Melton, who signed a one-year, $12.8 million deal with the Warriors last offseason, played only six games before undergoing season-ending surgery on a partially torn left ACL in December. However, there is more buzz surrounding Melton and the Warriors, according to NBA insider Jovan Buha, although the Warriors' pursuit of him might be temporarily on hold due to ongoing talks with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga.
The Warriors have shown interest in Kuminga, but view Sacramento's offer for him as a "buy-low attempt" and aren't interested in moving forward with the deal. The team is still asking for a "promising young player plus a first-round pick" in return for Kuminga, according to reports. The Kings "floated" an offer to Golden State that included point guard Devin Carter, forward Dario Saric, and two second-round picks, but it remains unclear if this proposal was accepted.
As for Al Horford, there is speculation that he is destined to join the Warriors this summer. Boston Celtics general manager Brad Stevens said it was "unlikely" Horford would return to Boston as the team intends to stay below the second apron. Earlier this month, Marc Stein and Fischer called Horford the Warriors' "top target" in free agency.
Horford had a solid season with the Celtics last year, averaging 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 27.7 minutes per contest. He also shot 42.3% from the field, 36.3% from deep, and a career-best 89.5% at the foul line in 60 games (42 starts).
The Warriors have several exceptions available to use in free agency, including a non-tax mid-level exception ($14.1 million), a biannual exception ($5.1 million), and trade exceptions. As of early July, the NBA has seen significant activity in free agency, with teams like the Houston Rockets making major moves, but the Warriors have been relatively quiet.
Whether the Warriors will sign both Melton and Horford remains to be seen. The Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls are reportedly the "two likeliest outside suitors" for Kuminga, while the Los Angeles Lakers were previously thought to be the frontrunner for Melton's signature. The Brooklyn Nets are the only team that can offer Kuminga a starting salary of $20 million or more.
For the latest updates on specific players like De'Anthony Melton or Al Horford, it would be beneficial to check for recent news or rumors specific to these players and the Warriors' ongoing free agency moves.
The Golden State Warriors' focus in the 2025 NBA free agency extends beyond De'Anthony Melton and Al Horford, with players like Malcolm Brogdon, Trey Lyles, Precious Achiuwa, and Ben Simmons also under consideration. Despite Melton's recent injury setback, NBA insider Jovan Buha hints at ongoing interest from the Warriors. Al Horford, with a solid past season performance, is rumored to be the Warriors' top target in free agency, as the Boston Celtics bid farewell to the possibility of his return.
