Warriors Suddenly Have A Familiar Backcourt Problem Again

The Golden State Warriors are exploring roster changes with potential trades and signings involving key players like DeAnthony Melton and Kristaps Porzingis to bolster their lineup for the upcoming season.

The Golden State Warriors are gearing up for an intriguing offseason, with several roster moves on the horizon. At the center of attention is guard De’Anthony Melton, who is likely to explore new opportunities this summer.

Melton, who played on a minimum-salary contract last season, has a $3.45 million player option for the upcoming year. Reports suggest he plans to decline this option to test free agency, though a return to the Warriors isn't entirely off the table.

Melton, now 28, stepped into a larger role than expected during the 2025/26 season, largely due to team injuries. He delivered a career-high performance, averaging 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals over 23 minutes per game in 49 appearances, including 24 starts. While he excelled with a career-best 50.5% shooting on two-pointers and an impressive 82.6% from the free-throw line, his three-point shooting dipped to 29.4%, a drop from his previous five-season average of 38.3%.

In other Warriors news, both the team and Kristaps Porzingis are keen on finalizing a new contract. The two parties have been actively engaged in discussions, with momentum building towards a short-term agreement. This potential addition could bolster the Warriors' roster significantly.

The Warriors are also on the hunt for backcourt depth, particularly a secondary playmaker. They had their sights set on former Arizona guard Brayden Burries for the 11th overall pick. However, Burries was snagged by the Bucks at No. 10, leading Golden State to select Yaxel Lendeborg, another promising talent they had been eyeing.

Al Horford is set to re-sign with the Warriors on a two-year, $14 million deal after opting out of his $6 million player option. His new contract is expected to include a 15% trade kicker, adding a layer of complexity to any future trade considerations.

Lastly, former Bulls center/forward Lachlan Olbrich will be showcasing his skills with the Warriors during summer league action. The 22-year-old Australian, who was the 55th overall pick in last year’s draft, played 37 games for the Bulls, averaging 2.4 points and 3.0 rebounds in just over nine minutes per game. While Chicago had the option to make him a two-way restricted free agent, it appears they won't be extending a qualifying offer, giving Olbrich a fresh start with Golden State.

As the Warriors navigate these potential changes, fans can expect a dynamic summer filled with strategic moves aimed at strengthening their roster for the upcoming season.

In Other News...

Warriors May Be Signaling A Real Roster Shakeup Around Steph

The Warriors are heading into free agency with more of a retooling mindset than a quiet tweak, according to reporting from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer. Golden State is expected to bring back Kristaps Porzingis, but the bigger picture suggests the front office is still trying to reshape the rotation around Steph Curry by looking for more help where the roster has felt thin.

There are also some important decisions hanging over the franchise as the calendar turns. Draymond Green and De'Anthony Melton both have player-option calls due by 2 p.m. PT Monday, which means the Warriors next move may not be fully clear until those situations are resolved. For a team that appears willing to be active, the coming days could tell us how aggressive this reshuffle really gets. [Read more 🡒]

Jonathan Kuminga's Future Just Took Another Turn Warriors Fans Will Notice

Jonathan Kumingas latest career turn is one Warriors fans will want to watch closely, because the forward is suddenly headed into free agency after a short run with Atlanta. The Hawks picked him up from Golden State at the mid-season trade deadline, then got 17 games from him before choosing a different financial path, a move that gives them more flexibility as the roster and cap picture shifts around them.

For Golden State, the development adds another layer to a trade that already carried long-term implications. Kumingas market is now open, and the ripple effects could extend beyond Atlantas ledger, especially with the Hawks clearing room to operate and the Warriors left to measure what his changing status means for their own past decision to move him. [Read more 🡒]

Draymond Greens Decision Just Raised The Stakes For Warriors Summer

Draymond Greens decision to decline his $27.7 million player option was the first real signal that Golden States offseason is going to be about more than simply keeping the band together. The move leaves him headed for free agency, but the expectation around the league is that he still ends up back with the Warriors, just on a different financial structure that gives the front office more room to maneuver.

For Golden State, that matters because every bit of flexibility can shape the rest of summer, from how aggressively it can shop in free agency to how it handles any larger roster-building ideas. Greens choice also adds a layer of timing to whatever comes next, since signing a new deal would alter how soon the Warriors could move him again, making this one of those decisions that feels simple on the surface and much more complicated underneath. [Read more 🡒]