Ex-Grizzlies sixth man extraordinaire signs with direct rival

As if how their 2022 trade with the Philadelphia 76ers panned out wasn't already punishment enough for letting go of De'Anthony Melton, following his recent free agency decisions, the Memphis Grizzlies will now find themselves gearing up for a 2024-25 campaign where they'll have to face off against him at least three times.

According to NBA Insider Shams Charania, the 26-year-old two-way spark plug has agreed to terms on a one-year, $12.8 million deal with the Golden State Warriors.

Ex-Grizzlies spark plug De'Anthony Melton signs with Warriors

Over the years, the Grizzlies and Warriors have developed quite a heated rivalry between one another, one that was heavily influenced by their hard-fought 2022 postseason matchup where the Dubs ultimately bounced Memphis in six games and went on to win that season's NBA Championship.

Interestingly enough, this aforementioned campaign was Melton's last out in Grind City, which, to many fans, proved to be quite a surprise.

Just one year removed from inking a four-year, $34.6 million contract extension with the club, the former second-round selection went on to have a tremendous season with the Grizzlies, one where he wrapped with impressive averages of 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals on 37.4 percent shooting from deep while finishing with a stellar 107 defensive rating and ranking in the top-10 in Sixth Man of the Year voting.

Despite his sound play and established, close-knit relationships with the team's core players like Ja Morant, following the season Zach Kleiman and company opted to part ways with his talents in an attempt to clear up more playing time for several of the other young talents on the roster such as Morant (understood), Desmond Bane (understood), Tyus Jones (now with Washington), John Konchar (could be gone this summer), and Ziaire Williams (should be gone this summer).

His services would be swapped out to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for a package of Danny Green and the recently drafted David Roddy.

He would play two seasons in the City of Brotherly Love, averaging 10.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 steals on 37.9 percent shooting from deep, before entering this summer's free agency class and, in turn, taking his talents to Golden State.

Such a signing makes sense for the Warriors, as they just witnessed their long-tenured stud two guard Klay Thompson depart for the Dallas Mavericks, leaving a vacancy within their starting backcourt next to superstar Stephen Curry.

With Melton now in tow, the franchise adds a solid, low-cost option to make up in some ways for the loss of the five-time All-Star.