Following the 2024-25 season, the Orlando Magic decided it was time to upgrade their roster. The team traded with the Grizzlies to acquire sharpshooter Desmond Bane.
It was a big move that cost them plenty. Orlando shipped out Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four first-round picks. They even threw in a first-round pick swap in 2030.
NBA insider Shams Charania now reports that Cole Anthony won’t be staying in Memphis. He’s agreed to a contract buyout with the Grizzlies.
Once he clears waivers, Anthony is expected to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks – giving him a fresh start after five seasons in Orlando.
Where will Cole Anthony fit in with the Bucks in 2025-26?
> 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
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> – Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 13, 2025
The Magic picked Anthony 15th overall in the 2021 NBA draft out of UNC. During his five years in Orlando, he played in 320 games and started 125 of them.
His best season came in 2021-22, when the guard started 65 games – still a career high for the now 25-year-old.
Last season was a different story. Anthony played in 67 games but started just 22 of them. For the first time in his career, he averaged less than 10 points per game.
The Magic clearly felt they needed new blood after last season. That’s why they went all-in for Bane, with Anthony becoming a casualty of that deal.
Now he gets a chance to revive his career in Milwaukee.
> Cole Anthony last season for Orlando:
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> 9.4 PTS
> 3.0 REB
> 3.0 ASTS
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> 1 STL
> 1 BLK
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> 42% FG
> 35% 3PT
>
> 18 mins pic.twitter.com/hOrGi8tTFg
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> – 𝐁𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 (@Bucks_Take) July 13, 2025
The Bucks will look very different next season. They’ll be without all-star point guard Damian Lillard after waiving and stretching his remaining contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Right now, Kevin Porter Jr. sits atop their depth chart at point guard. But Porter’s natural position is shooting guard, which could open the door for Anthony.
While Porter has a size advantage, Anthony brings much more experience running an offense in the NBA.
Milwaukee is desperate to turn things around. Since winning the NBA Finals in 2021, they’ve advanced past the first round just once.
That includes three straight first-round playoff exits – pretty disappointing for a team with championship aspirations.
Even if Anthony doesn’t crack the starting lineup, he’ll be valuable off the bench. He’s a proven ball-handler who knows how to run an offense.
It’ll be interesting to see how head coach Doc Rivers uses him this upcoming season.
