The Milwaukee Bucks have officially signed free agent guard Cole Anthony, confirming the acquisition following his recent buyout from the Memphis Grizzlies. Anthony, 25, now looks to establish a significant role in Milwaukee’s backcourt as the 2025 NBA season approaches. The Cole Anthony Bucks signing comes after he was waived by the Grizzlies over the weekend, a move that had been anticipated after his buyout agreement.
Background: Cole Anthony’s Journey and Career Performance
Anthony spent the first five years of his NBA career with the Orlando Magic, appearing in 320 regular-season games and starting in 125 of them. During the 2024/25 season, his contributions declined, marking career lows in points per game (9.4) and minutes played (18.4). Before last season, Anthony averaged 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 26.5 minutes per game, shooting at a .418 field goal percentage, .343 from three-point range, and an .851 free-throw percentage.
Trade and Buyout: From Orlando to Memphis to Milwaukee
Last month, the Magic traded Anthony along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Desmond Bane. However, Memphis waived Anthony shortly after, having prioritized point guard Ty Jerome in their free-agent signings. Anthony relinquished $2 million from his $13.1 million expiring contract to facilitate the buyout, an arrangement that helped Memphis free up cap space for renegotiating Jaren Jackson Jr.’s contract.
Role and Competition in Milwaukee’s Backcourt
With Damian Lillard no longer in Milwaukee, Anthony is expected to compete for rotation minutes at point guard alongside Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins. While specifics of Anthony’s contract remain undisclosed, reports suggest it is a one-year deal, though whether it includes the minimum salary or uses the remainder of Milwaukee’s roughly $3.65 million room exception is uncertain after the team used part of the exception to re-sign Porter.
Implications of Anthony’s Addition to the Bucks
Cole Anthony’s arrival offers Milwaukee depth and flexibility in their backcourt rotation for the upcoming season. His experience and potential to contribute could be crucial as the Bucks seek to adjust their guard lineup following Lillard’s departure. How Anthony performs in training camp and early games could determine his role and playing time as Milwaukee aims to strengthen its roster for 2025.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Cole Anthony wear 50?
A. This season, he is wearing jersey number 50 to pay tribute to his father, Greg, who had the same number during his 11 years in the NBA.