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Breaking: NBA Star Cole Anthony Signs with Melbourne United
NBA Guard Cole Anthony Signs with Melbourne United: What You Need to Know
The Big News in Simple Terms
Cole Anthony — a basketball player who has spent the last six years playing in the NBA (the top basketball league in the world) — has agreed to play for Melbourne United in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL) for the 2026/27 season.
Think of it like a really good soccer player from the English Premier League deciding to play in the A-League for a year. It’s a big deal for Australian basketball!
Who Is Cole Anthony?
His Basketball Journey So Far
| Year | Team | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Orlando Magic | Drafted 15th overall (like being picked in the first round of a really exclusive club) |
| 2020–2025 | Orlando Magic | Played 5 seasons, started most games, averaged 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists per game |
| 2023 | Orlando Magic | Signed a 3-year, $39 million contract extension (that’s a lot of money!) |
| Summer 2025 | Memphis Grizzlies | Traded as part of a big deal involving star player Desmond Bane |
| 2025 | Memphis → Milwaukee Bucks | Bought out (released) by Memphis, signed minimum contract with Bucks |
| 2025–26 | Milwaukee Bucks → Phoenix Suns | Traded to Suns in February, then waived (released) later that month |
| August 2026 | Melbourne United | Signed 1-year deal for 2026/27 NBL season ← YOU ARE HERE |
What Kind of Player Is He?
ELI5 Breakdown: Cole Anthony is a point guard — the "quarterback" of the basketball team. His job is to:
- Score points (he’s good at driving to the basket and shooting)
- Pass to teammates (3.8 assists per game = lots of good passes)
- Grab rebounds (4.3 per game is impressive for a guard)
- Play fast (coach loves his "pace of play")
His NBA stats (first 5 seasons):
- 12.5 points per game
- 4.3 rebounds per game
- 3.8 assists per game
- Shooting: 41.9% overall, 34.5% from 3-point range, 84.7% free throws
Why Did He Leave the NBA?
It wasn’t because he suddenly got bad at basketball. Here’s the simple version:
- Too many guards in Orlando — The Magic drafted Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black, two younger guards who needed playing time
- Salary cap math — NBA teams have a limit on how much they can spend. Anthony’s $39M contract made him "expensive" for a backup role
- Bumpy 2025–26 season — With Milwaukee, he had his worst statistical season (6.7 points, only 30.6% from 3-point range)
- Fresh start needed — After being traded twice and waived once in 6 months, the NBL offers a chance to be THE main guy again
Why Melbourne United?
What the Coach Says
Jacob Chance (Melbourne United head coach) called Anthony:
"One of the most athletic and dynamic guards the NBL will have ever seen."
He checked every box the team wanted:
- Elite guard who can run the offense
- Scores points and makes teammates better
- Good person off the court (character matters!)
- Plays fast, strong at the rim, good passer
- Can shoot from outside AND play tough defense
- Wants to WIN (not just get stats)
What His Former Teammate Says
Joe Ingles (Australian NBA veteran, played with Anthony in Orlando):
"He’s a great guy, he’s got a big personality, and I think United fans are going to love him. He’s going to have a big impact."
Fun Fact: Joe Ingles is ALSO signing with Melbourne United this summer! They’ll be teammates again.
Melbourne United’s Big Summer Makeover
The team has been busy rebuilding after finishing 5th last season (disappointing after making the NBL Finals in 2024 and 2025).
New Additions for 2026/27:
| Player | Background | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cole Anthony | 6-year NBA vet, former 1st round pick | Star guard, offense leader |
| Joe Ingles | 14-year NBA vet, Australian legend | Leadership, shooting, experience |
| Luke Travers | NBA draft pick, Australian Boomer | Young talent, versatility |
| Josh Oduro | NBA G League standout | Inside presence, rebounding |
Goal: Win the NBL Championship (they’ve come close twice recently!)
What This Means for Everyone
For Cole Anthony:
- Chance to dominate — He’ll likely be the #1 scoring option
- Rebuild value — Play well → maybe return to NBA on better terms
- New experience — Live in Melbourne, play in front of passionate fans at John Cain Arena
For Melbourne United:
- Instant credibility — NBA starter on roster = ticket sales, TV interest
- Championship window — With Ingles + Anthony + young core, they’re title contenders
- Development — Young Aussie players learn from NBA vets daily
For NBL Fans:
- Must-watch basketball — Anthony’s athleticism = highlight reel plays
- Higher league profile — More NBA eyes on NBL = better for everyone
- Rivalry fuel — Other teams now have to game-plan for him
Important Points to Remember
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Cole Anthony is only 26 — His "best basketball is still ahead" (coach’s words)
- 1-year deal = low risk, high reward for both sides
- Not a "washed up" player — Had one bad half-season after 5 solid years
- Melbourne United roster is NOW COMPLETE for 2026/27
- John Cain Arena will be electric when he debuts
Summary
Cole Anthony, a 26-year-old NBA point guard who averaged 12.5 points and 3.8 assists over five seasons with the Orlando Magic, has signed a one-year deal with Melbourne United for the 2026/27 NBL season.
After a turbulent year involving trades to Memphis and Milwaukee, a career-worst shooting slump, and a brief stint with Phoenix, Anthony chose the NBL for a fresh start. Melbourne United coach Jacob Chance calls him "one of the most athletic and dynamic guards the NBL will have ever seen," and former teammate Joe Ingles predicts fans "are going to love him."
The signing completes United’s roster overhaul alongside Joe Ingles, Luke Travers, and Josh Oduro — positioning them as serious championship contenders after two recent Grand Final appearances and a disappointing 5th-place finish last season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cole Anthony "too good" for the NBL?
A: Not at all! The NBL is widely considered the 2nd or 3rd best league in the world (after NBA and maybe EuroLeague). Many NBA players have come to the NBL and found it very competitive — the game is more physical, less spaced, and requires high basketball IQ. Anthony will be challenged.
Q: Will he return to the NBA after this?
A: Very possible! If he plays well (20+ points, efficient shooting, team wins), NBA teams will absolutely look at him next summer. The NBL has become a proven pathway back to the NBA (think: LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels).
Q: Why would an NBA player choose Australia over Europe or China?
A: Great question! The NBL offers:
- English-speaking country (easy transition)
- High-level competition (respect from NBA scouts)
- Great lifestyle (Melbourne = world’s most livable city multiple years running)
- Next Stars program reputation (develops NBA talent)
- Passionate fans and great arenas
Q: How much will he get paid?
A: The article doesn’t say exact numbers, but NBL "marquee" imports typically earn $300K–$600K USD for a season (plus housing, car, flights). Much less than his $39M NBA deal, but this is about opportunity, not max money right now.
Q: When does the NBL season start?
A: The 2026/27 NBL season typically begins late September or early October 2026 and runs through March/April 2027 (finals). Anthony should arrive in Melbourne August/September for training camp.
Final Thought: This is exactly the kind of signing that makes the NBL exciting — a prime-age NBA rotation player choosing Australia to rediscover his game. Whether you’re a die-hard United fan or just basketball-curious, Cole Anthony games are now "circle on the calendar" events.
