Bucks Sign Cole Anthony

The Milwaukee Bucks have officially signed free agent guard Cole Anthony, as announced by the team in a press release. This move was anticipated after Anthony reached a buyout agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies, who waived him over the weekend.

Anthony, 25, played his first five NBA seasons with the Orlando Magic, appearing in 320 regular season games (125 starts). His role significantly decreased in the 2024/25 season, resulting in career lows of 9.4 points and 18.4 minutes per game. Before that season, his career averages were 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 26.5 minutes per game, shooting .418/.343/.851.

The Magic traded Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Grizzlies last month in exchange for Desmond Bane. However, Anthony was not part of Memphis's plans following their agreement to sign Ty Jerome in free agency. Anthony's buyout, where he gave up $2 million of his $13.1 million expiring contract, enabled the Grizzlies to create the necessary salary cap space to renegotiate Jaren Jackson Jr.'s contract.

Anthony is expected to have an opportunity to earn rotation minutes in the Bucks' backcourt, which no longer features Damian Lillard. His primary competition for playing time at point guard will be Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins.

While reports indicate Anthony signed a one-year deal with the Bucks, the exact financial terms are unclear. It is unknown if he signed for the minimum salary or received the remainder of the Bucks' room exception (approximately $3.65 million was reportedly left after re-signing Porter).