In a strategic move to address their backcourt depth, the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly adding former Orlando Magic first-round pick Cole Anthony to their roster. The guard, recently acquired by the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a multi-player trade involving Desmond Bane, is expected to sign a one-year contract with Milwaukee after securing a buyout from Memphis.
This development places the 25-year-old Anthony with a contending team ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, offering him a new opportunity after a period of fluctuating roles and performance. Anthony spent the first five seasons of his career with the Orlando Magic, where he showcased flashes of scoring and playmaking ability. His career-best campaign arrived in 2021-22, averaging 16.3 points and 5.7 assists.
However, his minutes and production saw a decline in subsequent seasons, leading to a period where Anthony himself candidly acknowledged his struggles. In a moment of remarkable, perhaps painful, honesty, he once described his play with a rather blunt assessment, understanding that basketball is indeed a business where performance dictates opportunity. This acknowledgement and the subsequent trade signaled a clear pivot point in his young career, culminating in the recent buyout from the Grizzlies, a team likely focused on other roster priorities.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, the addition of Anthony comes amidst significant roster upheaval. The team recently made headlines by waiving star guard Damian Lillard – a surprisingly swift departure following his much-touted arrival – in a move designed to facilitate the signing of Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner. This pivotal shift created a notable vacancy in the backcourt rotation.
With a projected starting five that could feature Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Kyle Kuzma, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Myles Turner, Anthony is anticipated to provide valuable guard depth off the bench. His role will likely involve injecting energy, scoring punch, and secondary ball-handling for the second unit.
These strategic roster adjustments by the Bucks aren`t occurring in a vacuum; they unfold against the backdrop of ensuring their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, remains in a position to compete for championships. Antetokounmpo, now 30, recently addressed his future with the only NBA franchise he`s known. His commitment, while expressed with affection for Milwaukee, included the wonderfully ambiguous qualifier: “Probably.” Building a competitive team around him remains paramount, and acquiring pieces like Anthony appears to be part of that ongoing effort.
In essence, Cole Anthony`s signing with the Bucks represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward play for Milwaukee and a chance for Anthony to revitalize his career on a stage where contributions, even in a reserve role, can significantly impact a team`s title aspirations. It`s another fascinating variable added to the ever-evolving equation in Milwaukee.
Jasper Hawthorne