Cole Anthony Makes Historic Move to Australia: Signs with Melbourne United
In a surprising turn of events, former Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony has officially signed a one-year contract with Melbourne United of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). The announcement, made Tuesday, completes the Australian club’s roster for the upcoming Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season. This move marks a significant shift in Anthony’s career, as he transitions from the NBA to the NBL after six seasons in the league.
Anthony, 26, was selected 15th overall in the 2020 NBA draft out of North Carolina. He spent five seasons with the Orlando Magic before finishing the last season with the Milwaukee Bucks. Known for his explosive scoring ability, Anthony has been a consistent offensive threat throughout his NBA tenure. His arrival in Melbourne is seen as a major coup for the club, which is building toward a championship push under new head coach Jacob Chance. The addition of a player of Anthony’s caliber, at the peak of his career, underscores the growing competitiveness of the NBL and its appeal to top-tier talent.
Interestingly, Anthony’s move comes with a financial twist. The buyout agreement with his NBA team means he will continue to receive the remainder of his NBA salary through the end of the 2027-28 season, earning approximately US$3 million. This arrangement allows Anthony to pursue a new challenge while maintaining financial security. In his conversations with the club, Anthony has emphasized that his primary focus is winning, and he is eager to elevate his game to a new level in the NBL. Melbourne United fans have every reason to be excited about what this dynamic guard will bring to the court.
Shimanta Das 
