Kerr reassured that the surgery is routine and expressed hope that Melton would recover well and resume his career post-surgery.

Although Melton is expected to recover in time for the start of the 2025-26 season, his future with the Warriors remains uncertain as he will become a free agent in the summer of 2025.

Despite losing Melton, the Warriors have shown strong depth this season, currently holding a 10-3 record, though concerns linger about maintaining performance without a solid second option behind Curry.

In six games this season, he averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 20.2 minutes per game.

In Melton's absence, Lindy Waters III will step in as a regular starter, noted for his strong defensive skills.

The Warriors can file a Disabled Player Exception worth $6.4 million due to Melton's injury, although they are currently constrained by salary cap limitations.

Melton was competing for the fifth starter position on the team, which also includes players like Hield and Jonathan Kuminga.

Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton will undergo season-ending surgery for a partially torn left anterior cruciate ligament, a decision announced on November 20, 2024.

Melton had previously missed two games due to an ACL sprain, prompting further tests that confirmed the need for surgery.

Head coach Steve Kerr expressed disappointment over Melton's injury, highlighting his expected role as a starting backcourt player alongside Stephen Curry following Klay Thompson's departure to the Dallas Mavericks.

Despite this setback, the Warriors are considered one of the NBA's deepest teams, with Kerr emphasizing their ability to adapt and evaluate different lineups moving forward.

Without Melton, the Warriors face challenges in managing their guard rotation, but Buddy Hield has performed well off the bench, averaging 16.9 points with a 46.2% shooting from three-point range.