Suns Plan to Release Cole Anthony
The Phoenix Suns are reportedly planning to waive Cole Anthony. This news comes from John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 via Twitter. The Suns recently acquired the experienced guard through a three-team trade. This move appears to be primarily a salary dump as the team has multiple guards on its roster.
Suns’ Strategy Behind Waiving Cole Anthony
Anthony’s situation remains uncertain. He has yet to report to the Suns, and head coach Jordan Ott indicated that both parties are still figuring out the next steps. “I think they’re still determining that. Working through that as we speak,” said Ott.
Background on Cole Anthony
Originally drafted 15th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Anthony spent five seasons with the Orlando Magic. During his time with Orlando, he averaged:
- 12.5 points per game
- 4.3 rebounds per game
- 3.8 assists per game
He played in 320 games, averaging 24.8 minutes on the court. However, his performance has seen a decline in recent years, which prompted a trade to Memphis as part of a deal centered around Desmond Bane.
Recent Performance
After reaching a buyout agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies, Anthony signed a one-year minimum-salary contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. His time in Milwaukee was challenging, as he averaged:
- 6.7 points per game
- 2.5 rebounds per game
- 3.5 assists per game
His shooting statistics were also concerning, with a shooting line of .424/.306/.615 across 35 appearances. This resulted in a career-low average of just 15.1 minutes per game.
Future Prospects
Cole Anthony is still only 25 years old. Despite his recent struggles, he has shown potential in past seasons. His career true shooting percentage stands at a low 48.3% for the 2025-26 season. Nevertheless, he could attract interest from teams in need of backup ball-handling support, especially if he officially parts ways with the Suns.
