The Milwaukee Bucks have made a significant change to their point guard lineup by signing Cole Anthony, who is expected to replace Damian Lillard ahead of the upcoming <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA season. This move was confirmed on July 12, after Anthony reached a buyout agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies and plans to join the Bucks on a one-year contract.
Cole Anthony, 25, a 6-foot-2 guard drafted 15th overall in 2020, will arrive in Milwaukee following a stint primarily with the Orlando Magic. His addition is set to bring stability to a Bucks roster that recently waived Damian Lillard, stretching out his remaining $113 million contract to clear space for new signings, including center Myles Turner. Alongside Ryan Rollins, Anthony will be one of the only point guards available on the Bucks’ roster, signaling a new direction for the team’s backcourt.
A Closer Look at Cole Anthony’s Role with the Bucks
Before joining Milwaukee, Anthony was part of a trade package sent from Orlando to Memphis that included Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and several first-round picks, in exchange for Desmond Bane. While Anthony spent his first five NBA seasons with Orlando, he has shown promise by averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, demonstrating versatility and consistent production.
ESPN research highlights that Anthony ranked among the top five in total points and assists off the bench over the past three seasons. However, with the Bucks, he may take on a starting role, playing alongside stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner, especially if the team opts not to add another starting-caliber point guard before the season begins.
Anthony’s relationship with Bucks head coach Doc Rivers could influence his integration into the team. Rivers has a personal connection with Anthony’s family; he played alongside Cole’s father, Greg Anthony, on the New York Knicks during the early 1990s. Their history includes involvement in a well-known brawl between the Knicks and the Phoenix Suns in 1993, underscoring a longstanding link that spans generations.
Consideration of a Return for Former Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon
Prior to finalizing the deal for Cole Anthony, the Bucks had considered reuniting with Malcolm Brogdon, their former Rookie of the Year. Brogdon, who was a second-round pick (36th overall) in the 2016 NBA Draft, earned the Rookie of the Year title after an impressive first season playing 75 games with averages of 10.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Bucks are one of several teams showing interest in Brogdon, who is currently with the Washington Wizards. Fischer wrote,
“League sources say that the Wizards are open to sign-and-trade discussions to facilitate Brogdon’s exit and a slew of teams have registered varying levels of interest in the 32-year-old. That list includes the Clippers, Suns and Lakers as well as the Warriors, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Kings and Bucks,”
highlighting how Brogdon remains a sought-after player around the league.
Brogdon’s career path has been impacted by injuries, and after his third season, the Bucks declined to match a lucrative offer from the Indiana Pacers, leading to a sign-and-trade deal that sent him away in exchange for future draft picks. This strategy ultimately benefited the Bucks, as the resulting picks helped acquire Jrue Holiday, a key figure in Milwaukee’s 2021 NBA championship run.
Most recently, Brogdon won the Sixth Man of the Year award during the 2022-23 season with the Boston Celtics before being traded to Portland in the deal that secured Boston’s 18th NBA title in 2024.
What Cole Anthony’s Arrival Means for the Bucks’ Future
At seven years younger than Brogdon, Anthony enters Milwaukee eager to prove himself as a starting-caliber point guard, especially with the pressure of a contract year ahead. His arrival not only fills the void left by Lillard’s departure but also offers the Bucks a chance to develop a dynamic backcourt player alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner.
This roster adjustment reflects Milwaukee’s commitment to balancing experience with youth while addressing salary cap challenges. By replacing Damian Lillard with Cole Anthony, the Bucks position themselves to compete strongly in the coming season, potentially adding flexibility and new energy to their offensive schemes.
With Anthony expected to step into a prominent role, the Bucks’ point guard situation is now reshaped, signaling a new chapter for the team as they look toward sustaining their place among the NBA’s elite squads.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Damian Lillard loyal?
A. Lillard is an uncommon basketball player who values staying true to his city and team. He remains patient, even if it takes a long time for his team to compete for a championship.
Q. What surgery did Damian Lillard have?
A. Milwaukee Bucks player Damian Lillard had a successful surgery on Friday to fix a tear in his left Achilles tendon, according to the team. Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles did the surgery, with advice from the Bucks’ orthopedic surgeon.
Q. Where was Damian Lillard’s blood clot?
A. Milwaukee Bucks player Damian Lillard shared his thoughts about his blood clot diagnosis before the playoffs. Speaking to the media for the first time since learning he had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf, Lillard confessed the news was alarming.
Q. Why does Damian Lillard wear zero?
A. Basketball player Damian Lillard chose the number 0 for his jersey to symbolize the letter “O.” This letter represents three significant places in his life: Oakland, his hometown; Ogden, where he went to college; and Oregon, where he currently plays basketball.