Full Breakdown
Cole Anthony Joins Melbourne United Ahead of NBL27
8/5/2026, 5:15:57 PM
Core Signing Details
- Who: Cole Anthony, 26-year-old American guard and former NBA player.
- What: Signed a one-year contract with Melbourne United for the 2026-27 National Basketball League (NBL) season.
- When: Announced early 2026 (Wednesday); season begins September 19 in Victoria.
- Where: Melbourne United, John Cain Arena, Melbourne, Australia.
- How: After being waived by the Phoenix Suns following a February trade from the Milwaukee Bucks, Anthony entered free agency and accepted United’s offer, completing the roster built by new head coach Jacob Chance.
Background & Context
Anthony was selected 15th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2020 NBA Draft after a freshman year at UNC. He spent five seasons with the Magic, posting his best NBA numbers in 2021-22 (16.3 pts, 5.4 reb, 5.7 ast). He joined the Milwaukee Bucks for 2025-26, appeared in 35 games (6.7 pts, 2.5 reb, 3.5 ast) before the February 2026 trade to Phoenix and subsequent waiver.
Melbourne United recently appointed Jacob Chance, a former NBA G-League coach, replacing Dean Vickerman. The roster now includes veterans Joe Ingles, Chris Goulding, Shea Ili, and emerging Australian talent, positioning United as a championship contender.
Data & Statistics
- NBA career: 367 games, averaging 12.0 pts, 4.1 reb, 3.8 ast.
- Physical profile: 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) guard.
- Financials: Earned over US $35 million in NBA contracts; will continue to receive the remainder of his NBA salary (? US $3.7 million through 2027-28) while playing in the NBL.
- United’s 2026-27 depth chart: Lists Anthony as the import point guard alongside local guard Shea Ili.
Official Statements & Responses
Veteran teammate Joe Ingles called Anthony “an elite scorer, elite competitor” and said his scoring will draw defensive attention, opening opportunities for teammates.
Why It Matters
Nine describes the signing as one of the biggest off-season acquisitions in NBL history and names Anthony a favourite for the league’s MVP award. Arriving at the peak of his athletic prime, he could raise the competition level in the league.
Timeline
- 2020: Drafted 15th overall by the Orlando Magic.
- 2021-22: Career-high NBA averages (16.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 5.7 apg).
- 2025-26: Plays for the Milwaukee Bucks; traded to the Phoenix Suns in February 2026; waived 22 days later.
- Early 2026: Melbourne United announces one-year contract with Anthony.
- September 19 (scheduled): NBL27 season opens in Victoria, with United hosting the Adelaide 36ers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm super excited to begin this journey with Melbourne United,” — Cole Anthony
- “In this last spot, we wanted an elite guard with the ability to help lead our offense with his scoring ability, who makes his teammates better, while also being a really good person off the court, and Cole Anthony checks every one of those boxes,” — Jacob Chance, head coach
- “The motivation when we talk to Cole is to win,” — Jacob Chance, head coach
