Milwaukee recruits its new point guard from Memphis!
Feb 21, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) drives to the basket in front of Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Cole Anthony won’t be staying in Memphis after all. The 25-year-old point guard has negotiated a buyout agreement with the Grizzlies to be released from his contract, allowing him to immediately sign a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. This signing comes just one month after his arrival in Tennessee, where he had been sent by Orlando as part of the Desmond Bane trade.
Cole Anthony has agreed to a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and plans to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks after he clears waivers, sources tell ESPN. Grizzlies finalized the buyout with Jeff Schwartz and Javon Phillips of Excel Sports for Anthony’s new opportunity. pic.twitter.com/HnCsmxaqcz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 13, 2025
Brief Memphis stint before joining Giannis
The former Magic player arrived in Memphis in mid-June but never got to play at the FedEx Forum. This departure allows the Grizzlies to free up salary cap space to extend Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama, while signing Ty Jerome. Anthony was set to earn $13.1 million in 2025-2026, but the amount he agreed to leave on the table for his buyout hasn’t been disclosed.
For Milwaukee, this signing represents an excellent opportunity to strengthen a backcourt weakened by Damian Lillard’s injury departure. Without their star, the Bucks currently only had Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins at point guard, making Anthony’s arrival particularly valuable.
A promising offensive addition for the Bucks
In five seasons with Orlando, Cole Anthony averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Last season, he averaged 9 points in just 18 minutes, demonstrating his efficiency off the bench. The son of former Knicks player Greg Anthony has established himself as one of the league’s best sixth men, bringing his offensive spark in a slasher role and as an outside threat.
This recruit is part of a rather successful offseason for Milwaukee, who also signed Myles Turner to replace Brook Lopez and extended most of their free agents at bargain prices. Although the roster remains thin at perimeter positions, Anthony’s arrival adds depth to the roster and provides real offensive support around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
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