Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony. Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Bucks should target this overlooked PG if he reaches buyout market

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 1:30 PM ET

With free agent and trade options dwindling, the Milwaukee Bucks may have to think outside the box in order to fill the hole at point guard.

After re-signing Kevin Porter Jr., the roster still needs another guy either backing him up or starting. The Bucks should push to bring back Ryan Rollins, but he is not a great facilitator so early in his career. They also rescinded his qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent and perhaps indicating that his return is less than likely. One sub-radar option is Grizzlies guard Cole Anthony, traded by Orlando in the Desmond Bane deal. He and Memphis are reportedly negotiating a buyout. He’s a guy the Bucks should monitor as those talks continue.

Bucks likely not contenders for top-paid options

Anthony is hardly a homerun choice and he isn’t the best one available. Among remaining free agents in the Bucks’ price range, that’s probably Malcolm Brogdon. There’s no knowing what strings GM Jon Horst might pull, but the rest of the market is not especially robust for a capped team like the Bucks. Guys like Quentin Grimes or Cam Thomas want far too much, somewhere around $25 million per season.

The market has been pretty quiet on Anthony. The buyout talks suggest that he has attracted little to no trade interest, so he might be willing to sign for something close to the league minimum. If that’s true, he is a solid value option coming off the bench for the Bucks.

In Orlando last season, his fifth overall, Anthony averaged a career-low 9.4 points and 2.9 assists. He shot 42.4 percent from the floor and 35.3 percent on threes. His shooting efficiency was about where it has been in his career, but his volume stats dipped with his playing time.

Anthony offers combination of safety and upside

Anthony is not known as a good defender, but some suggest that his reputation as a poor defensive player exceeds reality. He also said last season that improving on defense is an active area of focus – an encouraging sign. As a reserve behind Porter Jr., he wouldn’t have to provide stellar anything – just capable facilitation and scoring in the second unit, both of which he has done, even last year to an extent.

The two seasons before last, in 25.9 MPG or less, he averaged 11.6 and 13 PPG. He dished out 3.9 APG in 2022-23 and 5.7 in 2021-22.

Overall he has a decent profile for a reserve, and options are evaporating. Fellow buyout guard Jordan Clarkson is reportedly signing with the Knicks, so he’s off the table. The Jazz also traded Collin Sexton to the Hornets. Would Charlotte re-trade him, and at what price? Brogdon could leave the free agency market any hour. Once Anthony hits free agency, he’s someone the Bucks should be calling if they haven’t signed someone by then.

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

More must-reads: