Cole Anthony, former UNC basketball superstar and first-round draft pick, has found his new home in Milwaukee, where he is expected to sign with the Bucks.
> 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](https://t.co/HnCsmxaqcz)
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> — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) [July 13, 2025](https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1944193218717135315?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Anthony began his career in Orlando where he played five seasons. He was a steady starting guard for most of his time with the Magic, averaging 12.5 PPG and 3.8 APG. In June, he was apart of a significant trade that sent Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and four first-round picks to the Grizzlies, with Desmond Bane in return.
Shortly after the news broke, it was reported that the expectation was for Anthony to be shipped elsewhere via a contract buyout, which is exactly what occurred Saturday night. After clearing waivers, the New York native is expected to ink a one-year deal with Milwaukee.
The Bucks backcourt could be a good landing spot for Anthony, as volume is up for grabs after the waiving of Damian Lillard. The 25-year-old has not blossomed into a superstar quite yet, but was always serviceable in Orlando, even though his upside was not always consistent. If the Bucks remain as competitive as they have been in recent seasons, the former top-ranked point guard in the country may be a key component of a playoff team.
Anthony’s athleticism and playmaking is what makes him such an intriguing addition to any squad, even when it has failed to solidify completely. The 6-foot-3 point guard averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists during his lone year in Chapel Hill.