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Cole Anthony won't be a member of the Memphis Grizzlies. Instead, he will represent the Milwaukee Bucks.
Anthony intends on signing with the Bucks this summer after accepting a contract buyout with the Grizzlies, per ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania. Memphis acquired him and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope from the Orlando Magic in exchange for Desmond Bane.
“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,” Charania said.
What's next for Bucks after landing Cole Anthony
Anthony spent the first five years of his career with the Magic. Throughout 320 appearances, he averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. He shot 41.9% from the field, including 34.5% from beyond the arc, and 84.7% from the free-throw line.
Despite being active in the Magic's rotation throughout each regular season, his presence in the playoffs wasn't as frequent. Playing 24.8 minutes in each regular-season contest, his playing time goes down to 12.8 minutes per game in the playoffs.
Anthony's role wasn't going to fit with Memphis considering the logjam at the point guard position. The Grizzlies already have star guard Ja Morant and have found a noteworthy young player on the rise in Scotty Pippen Jr. This would have reduced Anthony's role, making the contract buyout a reasonable one.
The Bucks do improve at the guard position. After waiving and stretching the remainder of Damian Lillard's contract, they had an open spot available. This granted the chance for Anthony to enter the equation and take the spot.
Milwaukee now has a backcourt featuring Anthony, Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. The trio will look to assist Giannis Antetokounmpo in making noise in the Eastern Conference. The squad is coming off a first-round exit to the Indiana Pacers for the second consecutive year.
