In a stunning turn of events, the Milwaukee Bucks have sent shockwaves through the NBA by securing young guard Cole Anthony following his contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies. The move, confirmed by ESPN’s Shams Charania, comes on the heels of Anthony’s involvement in last month’s blockbuster Desmond Bane trade and could signal a major shift in the race for 3x All-Star Bradley Beal, positioning the Golden State Warriors as frontrunners to land the coveted free agent.
According to Charania, Anthony, represented by Jeff Schwartz and Javon Phillips of Excel Sports, finalized his buyout with the Grizzlies and is set to join the Bucks once he clears waivers. The addition of the 25-year-old guard bolsters Milwaukee’s backcourt, already revamped this offseason with the return of Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., former Warrior Ryan Rollins, and the signing of veteran sharpshooter Gary Harris. With AJ Green also in the mix, the Bucks’ guard rotation is now stacked, raising questions about their pursuit of Beal.
The Bucks’ swift move to sign Anthony has sparked speculation that they may have cooled on their interest in Bradley Beal, who is expected to hit the free-agent market soon after finalizing a buyout with the Phoenix Suns. NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported on Saturday that the Bucks, alongside the Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, and Timberwolves, were among the teams eyeing the 32-year-old scoring guard. However, Milwaukee’s crowded backcourt now suggests they may have pivoted away from Beal, potentially clearing the path for Golden State to emerge as the favorites.
The Warriors, long linked to Beal, could capitalize on this development. With their sights also set on former star Damian Lillard—who is recovering from a torn Achilles and not expected to return until after the All-Star break—Golden State’s interest in Beal appears more attainable. The Warriors are also expected to reunite with free-agent guard De’Anthony Melton, but sources indicate this move is unlikely to derail their pursuit of a high-profile addition like Beal.
While the Bucks’ acquisition of Anthony may remove one contender from the Beal sweepstakes, the Los Angeles Clippers remain a formidable obstacle. The Clippers signaled their intent to pursue Beal by trading veteran guard Norman Powell to the Miami Heat earlier this week, a move that also netted them Utah Jazz big man John Collins to bolster their frontcourt. With their roster now primed for a marquee addition, the Clippers are widely viewed as the team to beat for Beal’s services.
Cole Anthony has agreed to a contract buyout with the Memphis Grizzlies and plans to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks after he clears waivers, sources tell ESPN. Grizzlies finalized the buyout with Jeff Schwartz and Javon Phillips of Excel Sports for Anthony’s new opportunity. pic.twitter.com/HnCsmxaqcz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 13, 2025
Still, the Warriors’ chances are looking brighter. Golden State’s blend of championship pedigree, dynamic offensive system, and the allure of playing alongside Stephen Curry could prove irresistible to Beal. The 3x All-Star, known for his silky scoring and playmaking, would be a seamless fit in the Warriors’ backcourt, providing the offensive firepower they’ve sought since their last title run.
For Milwaukee, the Anthony signing is a bold statement. The young guard, known for his explosive athleticism and scoring instincts, brings depth and versatility to a Bucks team looking to retool around Giannis Antetokounmpo after losing Damian Lillard. While the move strengthens their roster, it may come at the cost of missing out on Beal, a proven veteran who could have elevated their championship aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are poised to strike. With the Bucks potentially out of the picture and the Clippers as their primary competition, Golden State has a golden opportunity to land Beal and reshape their roster for another title push. As the NBA waits for Beal’s buyout to be finalized, all eyes will be on the Warriors to see if they can close the deal and add the 3x All-Star to their star-studded lineup.