Gun NBA scorer agrees to jaw-dropping move to Australia
Melbourne United has pulled off one of the biggest signings in NBL history, with NBA guard Cole Anthony joining the team for the upcoming season.
The 26-year-old was drafted with pick 15 in the 2020 NBA Draft by Orlando, before joining the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2025-2026 season.
Cole Anthony of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2026. Getty
A 188cm point guard, Anthony averaged 16.3 points per game in 2021-2022 for the Magic and has made a name for himself as a capable scoring threat off the bench since.
He was waived by the Phoenix Suns after being moved by the Bucks in a five-team trade in February and seemingly was unable to find an NBA roster for the upcoming season.
He joins United and will immediately become one of the favourites to win the league’s Most Valuable Player award, given his ability to score at NBA level.
Anthony joins Australian NBA legend Joe Ingles on the Melbourne roster, with the veteran forward returning to the NBL for the upcoming season as well.
The pair played together in Orlando and will hope to bring that chemistry to United.
“I’m super excited to begin this journey with Melbourne United,” Anthony told the Melbourne United website.
“This is a great opportunity to continue growing as a player and compete for a championship.
“I’m ready to get to work and can’t wait to represent the club and meet the fans.”
Ingles and Anthony join a loaded United roster, featuring Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, Kyle Bowen and Luke Travers.
It marks a new era for Melbourne, who parted ways with long-time coach Dean Vickerman. Jacob Chance, who was coaching in the NBA’s G-League, has taken up the role.
The NBL has shown it can be a home for NBA players towards the end of their careers, with the likes of JaVale McGee, Torrey Craig and Montrezl Harrell having successful stints in the league.
Cole Anthony and Joe Ingles of the Orlando Magic in 2024. Getty
But to land a 26-year-old player unlucky to not be currently on an NBA roster is an enormous sign for the league, and potentially the biggest signing since LaMelo Ball joined Illawarra during his draft year.
The NBL season gets underway September 19 in Victoria, with Melbourne hosting the Adelaide 36ers.
Anthony is expected to arrive in Australia in the coming weeks before joining teammates in Victoria.
