Cole Anthony Reportedly Will Sign With Bucks in NBA FA After Magic Contract Buyout

Cole Anthony is reportedly planning to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Saturday.

Anthony will have to clear waivers before agreeing to a new deal.

He had $13.1 million left on his contract for the 2025-26 season, in addition to a $13.1 million club option the following campaign, per Spotrac.

Anthony played five seasons with the Magic since he was selected by Orlando in the first round of the 2020 draft. He averaged 9.4 points through 67 games, mostly off the bench, last season before he was traded to the Grizzlies in June.

Anthony was dealt to the Grizzlies as part of the Desmond Bane trade, arriving in Memphis alongside Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and draft assets.

He now plans to join the Bucks on a one-year deal, according to Charania.

Charania wrote that the Grizzlies "have been working with Anthony's representatives toward a resolution that allows him to find a new home and creates space for Memphis to renegotiate-and-extend Jaren Jackson Jr."

He previously reported in June that the Grizzlies were expected to sign Jackson to a five-year, $240 million extension that would add four years to the single season remaining on his deal.

Per ESPN's Bobby Marks, buying out Anthony will also allow the Grizzlies to sign free agents Santi Aldama and Ty Jerome.

Milwaukee has previously been connected with other depth backcourt options, with NBA insider Jake Fischer recently listing the Bucks as one of the teams interseted in veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon.

The Bucks will now look to add depth to a position currently led by Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins and get more scoring off the bench, all while maintaining some cap flexibility, by signing Anthony to a shorter-term contract.