The Bucks have officially signed free agent guard Cole Anthony, the team confirmed in a press release. The move was expected after Anthony reached a buyout with the Grizzlies, who waived him over the weekend.
Anthony, 25, played his first five NBA seasons with the Magic, appearing in 320 games and averaging 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game before a reduced role in 2024-25.
Last season, his numbers dropped to career lows of 9.4 points and 18.4 minutes per game. He was traded to Memphis last month along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in a deal for Desmond Bane.
However, with Memphis signing Ty Jerome and reworking Jaren Jackson Jr.’s contract, Anthony was not in their plans. He gave up $2 million of his $13.1 million salary in the buyout.
In Milwaukee, Anthony is expected to compete for backup point guard minutes behind Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins, especially after the departure of Damian Lillard.
The terms of his one-year deal haven’t been confirmed, but the Bucks still had $3.65 million left from their room exception.
Bucks Sign Cole Anthony https://t.co/Pajd4soenU pic.twitter.com/h3Qm6sIoMH
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 16, 2025
