In a development that’s making waves across the NBA, Cole Anthony and the Memphis Grizzlies have reached a contract buyout agreement, paving the way for Anthony to join the Milwaukee Bucks. The move, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and confirmed by multiple sources, follows Anthony’s recent departure from the Orlando Magic in the trade that sent Desmond Bane to Memphis. Known for his scoring ability, Anthony is expected to bolster a Bucks roster aiming for a deeper playoff push next season.
Despite his brief stint in Memphis, Anthony is expected to wave goodbye to the Grizzlies and adorn green and white as soon as he clears waivers, according to Action News 5. His anticipated presence on the Bucks' roster signals a potential ramp-up in competition against the Detroit Pistons, who have kept their eye on the guard, especially after a clash last season that led to Pistons’ Jaden Ivey's injury, an event where Anthony demonstrated clear remorse, as per SI.com.
Despite averaging a modest 9.4 points last season with the Magic, Anthony has accumulated respectable career averages of 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists over 320 games and is known for his ability to facilitate offense. "He lacks qualitative defense but is known for his playmaking skills and knows how to take care of the ball," states The Playoffs News, suggesting that the Bucks could be aiming to shore up their backcourt with Anthony’s skills as they build on their offseason momentum with recent acquisitions like Myles Turner.
Financially speaking, Anthony's buyout could see him pocketing the veteran's minimum, with expectations that the Grizzlies might stretch over $10 million of his salary across three seasons to facilitate cap space for signings like Ty Jerome and Santi Aldama; this creates room for Jaren Jackson Jr.'s five-year contract as they look to maintain their flexibility and grow an already potent lineup, The Playoffs News noted.
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