Ex-Magic $39 Million Fan Favorite in Danger of Being Traded for Second Time in Month originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The NBA free agency frenzy is officially in full swing, and one of the names unexpectedly in the spotlight is Cole Anthony. Just weeks after being traded from the Orlando Magic to the Memphis Grizzlies, the 25-year-old guard might be on the move again and fast.
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Anthony, a fan favorite during his time in Orlando, was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Desmond Bane to the Magic. In return, Memphis received Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks and a pick swap.
It was a bold reset move for the Grizzlies, aiming to build around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. But now, with a crowded backcourt that includes Morant and Scottie Pippen Jr., Memphis is trying to flip Anthony before his new jersey even gets sweaty.
Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
“Memphis spent the weekend actively trying to shed the contract of newly acquired Cole Anthony,” according to Marc Stein on Substack.
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The front office is looking for a team willing to absorb his $13.1 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season. His career earnings currently sit at $28.8 million, according to the latest data.
The timing is crucial – the Grizzlies are maneuvering to sign or extend key players like Santi Aldama, while also keeping an eye on free agents like Ty Jerome.
With Brooklyn holding cap space and reportedly eyeing Aldama, Memphis may need to clear Anthony’s salary quickly to stay in control of their roster plans.
Once seen as a key young piece for Orlando, Anthony now risks becoming trade bait yet again. From fan favorite to roster casualty, the former No. 15 pick’s NBA summer just got a lot more complicated.
Related: Hawks the Favorites to Strike Trade With Timberwolves: Report
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.