Cole Anthony has experienced a lot over the last calendar year.
The former Tar Heel found himself on the move for the first time in his professional basketball career when he was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies on June 15. A month later, the Grizzlies elected to waive Anthony, allowing him to test the free agent market.
That led him to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks just four days later. After spending the first half of the 2025-2026 season in Milwaukee, Anthony is once again on the move.
Cole Anthony traded to the Phoenix Suns
Ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline, the Bucks, who were in the headlines as one of the more "active" teams on the market, elected to hold on to star Giannis Antetokounmpo but decided to make some minor moves, one of which included Anthony, a pending free agent this summer.
The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to trade Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey to the Phoenix Suns for Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
Anthony is now heading to the Phoenix Suns as part of a four-player deal. Along with the former Tar Heel, Amir Coffey is heading to Phoenix while Nick Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis head to Milwaukee.
A limited opportunity in Milwaukee
Over 35 games played, Anthony was relegated to a reserve role. He averaged just 15.1 minutes per-game, the lowest of his career, averaging 6.7 points and 3.5 assists per contest.
While Anthony still possesses the ability to start games at the NBA level, the hope is that he can earn a much bigger role in Phoenix down the final stretch of the regular season, especially given that he'll be vying for a new contract this summer once again.
A pair of Tar Heels on the move
Two former Tar Heels changed destinations before the NBA Trade Deadline. Coby White was the first to be dealt, as he's heading back to his home state to join the Charlotte Hornets, while Anthony makes his way to the west coast to help bolster the Suns' backcourt.