Cole Anthony, who spent the first five years of his NBA career with the Orlando Magic after being drafted 15th overall in 2020, is now adapting to a new chapter with the Milwaukee Bucks. His arrival in Milwaukee came earlier this offseason following a buyout from the Memphis Grizzlies, making the Cole Anthony Bucks trade adjustment a key moment in his young career.
Anthony expressed surprise upon learning about the trade. Receiving the news first from his agent and then from team officials, the reality of leaving Orlando felt unreal.
“I was just like, ‘Dang, is this real?’ I remember that whole week; it was just crazy,”
he said. Having never played for another team, the move brought mixed emotions as he reflected on his time with the Magic.
“I’ve been here five years, haven’t played for another team, was drafted here, so it’s something for me that definitely is bittersweet and I’m going to miss it.”
Career Shifts and Role Adaptation
Anthony’s early promise as a high draft pick has evolved as his role changed over the years. No longer seen as a top prospect, he spent recent seasons mostly coming off the bench with Orlando. After Memphis tested the market and received limited trade interest before buying him out, Anthony found an opportunity with the Bucks as a free agent.
Despite not being a standout shooter and considered slightly undersized for his position, Anthony has demonstrated valuable skills, especially as a secondary ball-handler and scorer. In the previous season, he averaged 9.4 points and 2.9 assists in 18.4 minutes per game, with shooting splits of 42.4% from the field, 35.3% from three, and 82.3% on free throws. His ability to penetrate defenses and score floaters inside the paint makes him a versatile contributor off the bench, a role that suits Milwaukee’s current roster makeup.
The Bucks’ Strategy and Anthony’s Role Moving Forward
Milwaukee prioritized signing Anthony over other notable free agents such as Malcolm Brogdon and Chris Paul, highlighting their confidence in his fit with the team. He is expected to share point guard responsibilities with Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, expanding the Bucks’ depth at the position.
Even though he is looking ahead with optimism, Anthony admits the transition feels unusual after establishing his identity with the Magic.
“I’ve literally said this to several different people … I still feel like I’m on the Magic a little bit. It’s something that’s bittersweet because this has been home, but I’m super excited for this next opportunity and super thankful to the whole Bucks organization,”
he reflected.
Looking Ahead: Impact and Expectations
The Cole Anthony Bucks trade adjustment marks a pivotal moment for the 25-year-old as he embarks on a fresh phase in his NBA journey. His youth and skill set align well with Milwaukee’s plans, providing added scoring and playmaking off the bench. While the emotional challenge of leaving Orlando remains, both Anthony and the Bucks organization appear eager about the potential this union holds going forward.