De'Anthony Melton established himself as a much-loved figure within the Philadelphia 76ers during his two-year stint with the franchise. Not only would a reunion with the player be welcomed by Sixers fans, but it would also provide the front office with a cheaper backcourt alternative to Quentin Grimes.
Melton has proven his fitness in his second year with the Warriors
Melton's offensive punch is undeniable. Throughout his career, the former 76ers guard has consistently made an impact on offense in a secondary role. The real question does not surround the player's talent level, but his ability to stay healthy -- an issue that already plagues several players on Philadelphia's roster.
However, after a slow start with the Golden State Warriors due to injuries, Melton finally hit a green patch of availability. During the 2025-26 season, the 28-year-old racked up 49 appearances for the team, which is the most he has featured since his debut campaign in Philadelphia (2022-2023).
Of course, acquiring a player should not solely rely on their health; talent, fit, and the potential to positively affect games are factors that must all come into the equation. Well, Melton can do all of the above if a team plays to his strengths.
Playing in a system that prioritises 3-point shooting and spacing the floor in Golden State allowed Melton to rekindle his offensive rhythm. Melton averaged 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, while draining 40.7% of his shots.
Quentin Grimes would demand a heftier fee for similar production
These numbers may not scream superstar, but given the 76ers' struggles from the bench last year, Melton would immediately improve the roster. And if Melton does decide to reject his $3,451,779 player option with the Warriors, it would not be crazy to assume that an interested franchise could acquire his services for a fee that is not overly inflated.
On the other hand, Quentin Grimes -- who is now an unrestricted free agent -- will most likely demand a more significant chunk of the Sixers' salary cap.
After sitting in contract purgatory during the 2025 offseason, Grimes eventually put pen to paper on a one-year, $8,741,209 qualifying offer with Philadelphia and hoped that he could replicate the form that he produced towards the tail end of the 2024-25 season, undoubtedly hoping to be able to request a heftier salary from potential suitors.
His master plan may have potentially backfired after a set of less-than-ordinary performances throughout the 76ers' postseason campaign. During Philadelphia's devastating playoff series with the New York Knicks, Grimes cut an uninterested figure -- averaging six points, 1.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, while shooting 30% from the floor. Would a franchise really overpay for that inept level of production? I will let you decide that one.
Most importantly, the Philadelphia 76ers shouldn't. Their aim should be to optimise their salary flexibility as much as possible, whether that be with shrewd free agency acquisitions or utilising their draft pick to perfection. As long as Joel Embiid remains on the roster, the Sixers can extend their championship window.
If De'Anthony Melton decides to opt out of his player option with the Golden State Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers' front office must snap him up immediately.
