As unofficial free agency ticks on toward its formal commencement on July 6, the Milwaukee Bucks remain inert in the market. So far they have re-signed Kevin Porter Jr. but done nothing since to address the void at point guard. Ryan Rollins is still out there, available to all teams and unsigned by the Bucks. Even if the plan is to run the offense through point-Giannis, the backcourt needs fortification. Though the pool is dwindling, several viable options linger. One name the Bucks are reportedly eyeing is De’Anthony Melton, who spent most of last season on Brooklyn’s injured list. Yea or nay?
Milwaukee Bucks Could Consider Melton in Cheap Reserve Role
Melton played just six games for Golden State before sustaining an ACL injury. In December, the Warriors flipped him to the Nets, where he never touched the court. Melton has also played for the Suns, Grizzlies, and 76ers in his seven-year career.
Milwaukee Bucks, De'Anthony Melton, NBA Free Agency
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
The past two seasons combined, Melton has logged just 44 games. 2022-23 in Philadelphia was his last full season, when he averaged 10.1 points on 42.5% shooting overall and 39% on threes. He also averaged 1.6 steals, 4.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Melton posted similar volume stats across his 2023-24 half-season, but his efficiency dipped (38.6 FG%).
A strong perimeter defender, Melton can provide supplementary scoring but isn’t a great facilitator. His natural position is shooting guard; he isn’t an ideal fit for Milwaukee’s needs at the point, even as a backup. Porter is already not a typical floor general, so acquiring a true point guard – or at least something closer to that than Melton – would provide personnel security.
Milwaukee Bucks, De'Anthony Melton, NBA Free Agency
Dec 25, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) defends Philadelphia 76ers guard De’Anthony Melton (8) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports
At 27, Melton is still fairly young, but how he will bounce back from injury is an unknown. For both himself and interested teams, signing him to a short-term deal makes the most sense: the team reduces its risk while the player leaves the door open for a bigger payday a year or two down the road if he produces. In addition to the Bucks, Melton has also been linked to the Lakers, Clippers and Suns, per Forbes’ NBA reporter Evan Sidery.
De’Anthony Melton has generated a strong market in free agency from contending teams.
The Bucks, Clippers, Lakers, and Suns are among a group of teams who inquired on Melton, an instant-impact versatile defender wherever he lands. pic.twitter.com/YnhIivNOFF
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 5, 2025
Rollins has a somewhat similar profile – non-facilitator, good defense, smooth long-range stroke – but is only 23 and primed for growth. Of the two, securing Rollins on a longer-term contract is clearly the better play for the Bucks, a high-value investment on a young player who has already shown he can contribute. With guys like Rollins and Malcolm Brogdon still on the table, Melton can be an option, but he shouldn’t be Milwaukee’s first choice.
Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks, De'Anthony Melton, NBA Free Agency
Feb 3, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) goes up for a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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