The Milwaukee Bucks are expected to explore the market for backcourt help, and a buyout candidate could be an option.
After waiving Damian Lillard and stretching the remaining $113 million on his contract to sign Myles Turner on Tuesday, the Bucks will look to add depth at point guard. According to The Athletic, Cole Anthony is a potential buyout candidate who may become available to the Bucks once he hits the open market.
The 25-year-old was traded to the Grizzlies in mid-June in a deal centered around Desmond Bane. However, Memphis already has a crowded backcourt featuring Ja Morant, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr. and 2025 first-round pick Cedric Coward. With Anthony slated to make $13.1 million next season, it wouldn’t be surprising if the two sides worked out a deal to make him a free agent.
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The North Carolina product has seen a steady decline in production since his career-best season in 2021-22, when he averaged 16.3 points, 5.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds across 31.7 minutes per game in 65 regular-season outings. He could provide a spark for the Bucks, who are seemingly looking to get younger while remaining a playoff-caliber team.
Anthony saw fairly inconsistent minutes with the Magic in the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.9 assists across 18.4 minutes per game in 67 regular-season appearances.
Landing with the Bucks could give him a chance to revitalize his career on a prove-it deal. Moreover, Milwaukee would gain another cost-effective option in the backcourt.
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