Former Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony has officially announced his move to Melbourne United, ending his six-year NBA career.

Melbourne United confirmed the signing of 26-year-old former NBA guard Cole Anthony in a statement on Wednesday. He will play for the team in the Australian NBL league until the end of the 2026/27 season.

After settling in Melbourne, Carmelo Anthony's nearly six-year NBA career has come to a temporary end. However, he is full of expectations for the new chapter that is about to begin: "I am very excited to start a new journey with Melbourne United. This is a great opportunity for me to continue to grow as a player and make a run for the championship."

“I’m ready to get to work. I can’t wait to play for the club and meet the fans!”

Carmelo Anthony, the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, began his professional career with the Orlando Magic. He played five seasons with the Magic, accumulating 320 regular season games, averaging 12.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 24.8 minutes per game, and made the playoffs twice with the team.

With the rapid rise of Jalen Sago and Anthony Black, Carmelo Anthony gradually fell out of the regular roster in the later stages of his Magic career. As a result, he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in June 2025 along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and later joined the Milwaukee Bucks on a minimum contract after being bought out.

In the 2025/26 season, Anthony played 35 regular season games for the Bucks as a reserve, averaging 6.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 15.1 minutes per game. He was traded to the Phoenix Suns in February of this year and subsequently waived, and has been unemployed since.

After the signing was completed, Melbourne United manager Jacob Chance said: "We have always wanted to bring in an elite defender who can lead the team's attack with his scoring ability, make his teammates better, and also have excellent character off the field. Cole Anthony is a perfect fit for all our requirements."

"His game pace, finishing ability at the rim, passing vision, versatility as an off-ball shooter, and aggressive defensive attitude make him the ideal guard for this team."

“During our conversation, I could clearly sense that he was single-mindedly focused on winning. I firmly believe that his peak has yet to come. We expect that after joining the NBL, he can elevate his competitive level to a new height and, in turn, inspire every teammate around him.”

“Anthony’s arrival is a big moment for the club. I can’t wait to see him in the Melbourne United shirt at John Cain Stadium.”

Image source: Internet/NBA official website