Cole Anthony currently remains an unrestricted free agent as of April 2026. After a transitional 2025-26 NBA season that saw him move from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Phoenix Suns via a trade deadline deal, the veteran guard was waived by the Suns on February 27, 2026. Before his release, Anthony appeared in 35 games during the 2025-26 campaign, providing bench depth and playmaking.

During his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2025-26 season, Cole Anthony averaged 6.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in 15.1 minutes of action. His shooting splits stood at 42.4% from the field, 30.6% from beyond the arc, and 61.5% from the free-throw line. Over his six-season NBA career, which includes a significant five-year run with the Orlando Magic, Anthony holds career averages of 12.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game across 355 appearances.

2025-26 Season Performance Analysis

The 2025-26 season marked a period of significant change for Cole Anthony. After establishing himself as one of the premier bench scorers in the league with the Orlando Magic, his move to a championship-contending environment in Milwaukee required a shift in role and usage.

Statistics with the Milwaukee Bucks

In 35 games for the Bucks, Anthony's primary responsibility was stabilizing the second unit. His per-minute production remained respectable, though his raw volume decreased due to a more crowded rotation.

  • Games Played: 35
  • Minutes Per Game: 15.1
  • Points Per Game: 6.7
  • Assists Per Game: 3.5
  • Rebounds Per Game: 2.5
  • Steals Per Game: 0.6
  • Field Goal Percentage: 42.4%
  • Three-Point Percentage: 30.6%

Anthony demonstrated flashes of his high-octane scoring, particularly in late October and early November. For instance, on October 24, 2025, against the Toronto Raptors, he exploded for 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting in just 27 minutes, adding 7 assists and 4 rebounds. This performance highlighted his ability to take over games when given the opportunity. However, consistency proved elusive as his role fluctuated, leading to several games with single-digit scoring toward the end of 2025.

The Phoenix Suns Trade and Waiver

At the February 2026 trade deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks traded Anthony to the Phoenix Suns as part of a roster restructuring. Despite the Suns' need for backcourt depth, the organization opted to waive him on February 27, 2026, without Anthony appearing in a single game for the franchise. This move rendered him an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to sign with any team looking for backcourt experience and scoring punch.

2024-25 Season: The Final Year in Orlando

The 2024-25 season was Cole Anthony's final full campaign with the Orlando Magic, the team that drafted him 15th overall in 2020. During this season, Anthony transitioned into a full-time "Sixth Man" role, contributing significantly to the team's playoff push.

Regular Season Stat Totals

Across 67 games in the 2024-25 season, Anthony's statistical profile remained balanced:

Category 2024-25 Stats
Games Played 67
Minutes Per Game 18.4
Points Per Game 9.4
Rebounds Per Game 3.0
Assists Per Game 2.9
FG% 42.4%
3P% 35.3%
FT% 82.3%

In April 2025, Anthony showed a resurgence in his shooting efficiency. On April 9, 2025, against the Boston Celtics, he scored 18 points while shooting a scorching 5-of-10 from three-point range. His ability to space the floor and facilitate (averaging nearly 3 assists in under 20 minutes) made him a valuable asset in Orlando's rotation.

Playoff and Play-In Impact

Anthony's impact extended to the postseason. In the 2024-25 Play-In Tournament, he delivered a stellar performance with 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists in 20 minutes of play, shooting 58.8% from the field. Although his production dipped in the subsequent playoff series (averaging 2.2 points in 10.2 minutes across 5 games), his Play-In heroics remained a highlight of his season.

Comprehensive Career Statistics (2020–2026)

To understand Cole Anthony's trajectory, it is essential to examine his year-over-year progression since entering the league out of North Carolina.

Orlando Magic Tenure (2020–2025)

Anthony began his career as a high-usage starter before evolving into a spark-plug reserve.

  • 2020-21 (Rookie): Averaged 12.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 4.1 APG. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team and hit multiple game-winning shots, establishing his reputation for clutch play.
  • 2021-22: His statistically most productive season, averaging career highs in points (16.3), rebounds (5.4), and assists (5.7). He started all 65 games he played, serving as a primary engine for the Magic offense.
  • 2022-23: Shifted toward a reserve role, averaging 13.0 PPG and 4.8 RPG while improving his efficiency, shooting a career-high 45.4% from the field and 36.4% from three.
  • 2023-24: Appeared in 81 games, averaging 11.6 PPG. He ranked fourth in the NBA in total points off the bench, proving his effectiveness as a second-unit leader.

Career Averages Summary

Period Team GP PPG RPG APG FG% 3P%
2020-25 Orlando Magic 320 12.6 4.3 4.0 42.1% 34.6%
2025-26 Milwaukee Bucks 35 6.7 2.5 3.5 42.4% 30.6%
Career Total 355 12.0 4.1 3.8 41.9% 34.3%

Advanced Metrics and Efficiency Trends

While raw points and assists provide a baseline, advanced metrics reveal Anthony's efficiency and impact on the floor.

Per 36 Minutes Analysis

Analyzing Anthony’s 2025-26 stats on a per-36-minute basis provides a clearer picture of his productivity relative to his reduced playing time:

  • Points (Per 36): 16.0
  • Assists (Per 36): 8.3
  • Rebounds (Per 36): 6.0

These figures suggest that Anthony's skill set remained sharp; his lower season averages were primarily a function of limited opportunity in the Milwaukee system rather than a decline in individual ability.

Shooting Evolution

Anthony's free-throw shooting has historically been a strength, peaking at 89.4% in the 2022-23 season. However, the 2025-26 season saw an unusual dip to 61.5%, though this came on a very small sample size of attempts. His three-point shooting has hovered around the league average (34.3% career), making him a threat that defenses must respect on the perimeter.

Usage and Value

Throughout his career, Anthony has maintained a usage rate typically between 20% and 25%. He is most effective when he can dominate the ball for short stretches, using his quick first step to penetrate the paint and either finish at the rim or kick out to open shooters.

Player Profile: Style and Background

Cole Anthony, standing 6'2" and weighing 185 lbs, is the son of former NBA player and current broadcaster Greg Anthony. This lineage is evident in his high basketball IQ and competitive tenacity.

Skill Set and Strengths

  • Shot Creation: Anthony excels at creating space for his jumper, particularly in mid-range and pull-up three-point situations.
  • Rebounding for Size: Throughout his career, Anthony has been an elite rebounder for his position, often out-muscling larger guards to secure defensive boards and start the break.
  • Clutch Performance: Since his rookie season, he has demonstrated a "clutch gene," appearing comfortable taking and making high-stakes shots late in games.
  • Playmaking: While initially viewed as a scoring-first guard, he has developed into a capable facilitator, as evidenced by his 5.1 assists per game during the early stretch of the 2025-26 season.

Educational Background

Before entering the NBA, Anthony was a standout at the University of North Carolina (UNC). In his lone freshman season (2019-20), he averaged 18.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. He set a UNC freshman record by scoring 34 points in his collegiate debut. Prior to UNC, he was a highly touted recruit at Oak Hill Academy and was named the MVP of both the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic.

Current Market Value and Future Outlook

As an unrestricted free agent in mid-2026, Cole Anthony represents an intriguing option for NBA teams looking for a veteran backup point guard or a scoring spark off the bench.

Potential Fits

Teams looking for a "microwave" scorer—someone who can enter the game and immediately generate offense—would benefit from Anthony's presence. His experience in Orlando, where he helped transition a young core into a playoff contender, adds valuable leadership to his resume.

Salary Expectations

In 2025, Anthony earned approximately $12.9 million. Given his recent waiver and the current state of the market, he may be looking at "prove-it" deals or mid-level exception offers as he seeks to re-establish his role in a consistent rotation.

Career Milestones

During his time in the league, Anthony has surpassed significant milestones, including:

  • 3,000 career points (achieved in early 2024).
  • 1,000 career assists (achieved in March 2024).
  • 1,000 career rebounds (achieved in January 2024).

These numbers underscore his status as a reliable NBA contributor over the last half-decade.

Conclusion

Cole Anthony's career trajectory highlights the volatile nature of the NBA. From a top-15 pick and All-Rookie performer in Orlando to a veteran seeking a new home in 2026, his statistical output remains that of a high-level backup guard. While his 2025-26 season stats were tempered by role changes and a mid-season trade, his career averages of 12.0 PPG and 3.8 APG suggest he still has plenty of productive basketball ahead of him. Whether he joins a contender for a playoff push or helps a developing team with his scoring and leadership, Anthony's next chapter will be one to watch.

FAQ

What are Cole Anthony's career stats? Cole Anthony holds career averages of 12.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game over 355 NBA games.

Which team does Cole Anthony play for now? As of April 2026, Cole Anthony is an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played for the Milwaukee Bucks before being traded to the Phoenix Suns and subsequently waived.

What was Cole Anthony's highest-scoring NBA season? His most productive season was 2021-22 with the Orlando Magic, where he averaged 16.3 points per game.

How many assists did Cole Anthony average in 2025-26? During his 35 games with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2025-26 season, he averaged 3.5 assists per game.

What is Cole Anthony's height and weight? Cole Anthony is 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) tall and weighs 185 lbs (84 kg).

Where did Cole Anthony go to college? He played one season of college basketball at the University of North Carolina (UNC) before being drafted into the NBA in 2020.