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Milwaukee Bucks Could Target Surprising PG, 5-Year Veteran in Buyout Market, Addressing Critical Roster Need 1 Mar 8, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) looks to drive past Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) in the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks: Cole Anthony Comments Are Exactly Why the Team Pursued Him as Free Agent

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 4:45 PM ET

To secure a third point guard this offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks could have signed Chris Paul. They could have signed Malcolm Brogdon. They could have gone for Tyus Jones. Instead, they snapped up Cole Anthony once he formalized his buyout with Memphis, where he was stationed in limbo following a trade from the Magic.

Packing up his things from the only home he’d known, Orlando, was not easy for Anthony, he confessed in a recent interview. He hasn’t fully arrived in Milwaukee; part of him still lingers in a Magic jersey. But the character that comes through in Anthony’s interview comments show exactly why the Bucks prioritized him above other free agency options.

Still wistful over Magic move, Cole Anthony is prepared to help Milwaukee Bucks however he can

In his interview with the Orlando Sentinel, Anthony admitted he is still adjusting to the shock of being traded.

“I’ve been here five years, haven’t played for another team, was drafted here, so it’s something for me that definitely is bittersweet and I’m going to miss it,” the guard said.

The Bucks want him to be fully focused and ready to contribute in his new home by opening night, but loyalty and emotional commitment are reasons he makes such a good match for this team.

Indeed, the player in the interview sounds like a guy who will fight for his teammates and give all he’s got. His enthusiastic support and team-first mindset are well-known to those around the Magic organization. On just a one-year minimum deal, Anthony may not be in Milwaukee long, but fans can be confident he’ll hold back nothing as long as he is here.

Flipped as a trade chip and salary filler for Grizzlies star Desmond Bane, he isn’t over the breakup but he is grateful for the chance to make his mark as a Buck.

“I look at it as a great opportunity to enter another team where they have a playoff pedigree and a championship pedigree,” Anthony said. “They’ve won a ‘chip there. I just want to get in there, contribute and do whatever I can for the team. I want to be a part of winning.”

A great attitude is only part of what the 25-year-old guard brings to the table. Energy, scoring punch, and supplementary creation off the bench are all among his assets. Playing behind Kevin Porter Jr. and perhaps Ryan Rollins as well, he fits what the Bucks need him to do extremely well.

Milwaukee Bucks: Jon Horst Calls Electric 25-Year-Old Guard Version of Big Man Bobby Portis - 'He’s Just Got an Edge to Him' 2 Mar 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) win the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Milwaukee made the right choice

Part and parcel of that role is his expressed eagerness to facilitate winning in any capacity. In Orlando, Anthony spent two seasons as a starter, two seasons almost exclusively off the bench, and a mixed role last year as the Magic navigated injuries. In just 18 minutes a night, he averaged 9.4 points, three rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He’s put up higher volume in higher minutes. He can fill a wide range of molds.

A guy like Paul, on the other hand, could have disrupted the rotation. Although he signed up for a bench role by joining the Clippers, he said before that he wanted to start. Unlike Los Angeles, the Bucks don’t have James Harden starting at point guard; with or without Paul, their best option is Porter. As a future Hall of Famer, even on his last legs Paul might not be down with backing up KPJ.

Milwaukee Bucks: Will Kevin Porter Jr.'s Domestic Violence History Dictate Who Signs Him in 2025? 2 Feb 23, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) celebrates after scoring a basket during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

As for Brogdon, the former Bucks Rookie of the Year just cannot stay healthy.

Young, durable, and a spark both on and off the court, Anthony was a perfect choice for the Bucks. Wearing his dad’s jersey number, he should waste no time winning over his new fanbase at the Fiserv Forum.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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