Why is Olympiacos searching for a new guard?
The primary driver behind Olympiacos's current recruitment efforts is the significant injury to Dominican guard Jean Montero. The player recently underwent surgery, a procedure that is expected to keep him away from competitive action for the next six months. This timeline suggests that Montero will likely miss the remainder of the current season, leaving a substantial void in the team's backcourt rotation.
Finding an immediate and effective replacement is a priority for the Piraeus-based club to maintain their competitiveness in both domestic and Euroleague play. The vacancy created by Montero is not merely a matter of roster numbers but a loss of specific offensive and defensive capabilities that the team must now replicate through the transfer market.
What is the status of the Cole Anthony negotiations?
According to reports from Italian journalist Matteo Andreani, Olympiacos has already initiated preliminary contact with Cole Anthony to gauge his availability. However, it is critical to note that these discussions are currently in their infancy. There are no indications of advanced negotiations or a finalized agreement between the Greek club and the player's camp.
A key factor in any potential move is the contractual structure currently in place with his Australian club. Andreani notes that Anthony's contract with Melbourne United includes a buyout clause. While the specific financial details of this buyout have not been disclosed, its existence provides a theoretical pathway for a mid-season transfer to Europe.
The complexity of mid-season transfers
Mid-season acquisitions in the Euroleague are notoriously difficult due to the need for immediate tactical integration. For Olympiacos, the challenge is not just finding a player with talent, but finding one who can adapt to the rigorous defensive standards of European basketball while providing the scoring punch lost by Montero. The presence of a buyout clause simplifies the legal process, but the financial burden of triggering such a clause remains a variable for the club's management.
How has Cole Anthony's career progressed?
Cole Anthony brings significant professional pedigree to the table, having spent several years competing at the highest level of basketball in the world. His career has been defined by stints in the NBA, where he demonstrated the ability to contribute to high-level rotations.
Between 2020 and 2025, Anthony played for the Orlando Magic, where he was teammates with Evan Fournier. Following his time in Orlando, he moved to the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2025-26 season, playing alongside NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. This experience in elite environments suggests a level of professional maturity that would be highly valued in the Euroleague.
Statistical breakdown of Anthony's NBA tenure
During his time in the NBA, Anthony appeared in 355 games. His statistical output reflects a versatile guard capable of contributing across multiple categories. According to available data, he averaged:
- 12.0 points per game
- 4.1 rebounds per game
- 3.8 assists per game
These figures highlight a player who can serve as a secondary playmaker and a reliable scoring option, which aligns with the needs identified by the Olympiacos coaching staff following Montero's departure.
What is Cole Anthony's current form in Australia?
Since moving to the Australian NBL, Anthony has demonstrated that his scoring capabilities remain sharp. After finding limited opportunities in the United States, his move to Melbourne United has allowed him to take on a much more prominent role on the court.
In his 11 appearances for Melbourne United so far this season, Anthony has produced impressive numbers that suggest he is playing at a level above the standard NBL average. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways is evident in his recent statistical profile.
| Metric | NBL Average (11 games) |
|---|---|
| Points per game | 23.6 |
| Rebounds per game | 4.5 |
| Assists per game | 4.0 |
| Steals per game | 1.5 |
| Minutes per game | 28.0 |
The jump from a 12-point NBA average to a 23.6-point NBL average indicates a player who is currently in a high-confidence scoring phase. For Olympiacos, this recent form is perhaps as important as his past NBA experience, as it proves his current physical readiness and offensive rhythm.
FAQ: Cole Anthony and Olympiacos
Is Cole Anthony officially signed with Olympiacos?
No, Cole Anthony is not officially signed with Olympiacos. While there have been reports of initial contact between the club and the player to check his availability, negotiations are currently described as being in the very early stages with no advanced talks reported.
Why is Olympiacos looking for a new player?
Olympiacos is searching for a replacement due to a serious injury to Jean Montero. The Dominican guard underwent surgery and is expected to be sidelined for approximately six months, which effectively ends his participation for the current season.
Does Cole Anthony have an NBA background?
Yes, Cole Anthony has extensive NBA experience. He played for the Orlando Magic from 2020 to 2025 and subsequently played for the Milwaukee Bucks during the 2025-26 season, totaling 355 games in the league.
Can Olympiacos easily sign him from Melbourne United?
A transfer is possible because Anthony's contract with Melbourne United includes a buyout clause. However, the specific terms of this buyout have not been made public, and any move would depend on the club's willingness to meet those financial requirements.
How has Anthony performed in the NBL this season?
Anthony has been highly productive in Australia, averaging 23.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over 11 games. He also averages 1.5 steals per game in approximately 28 minutes of play per match.
Key takeaways
- Jean Montero's injury will sideline him for roughly six months.
- Olympiacos has made initial contact with Cole Anthony regarding availability.
- Cole Anthony currently plays for Melbourne United in Australia's NBL.
- Anthony's contract includes a buyout clause facilitating a potential move.
- Anthony averaged 12 points per game during his 355 NBA appearances.
The road ahead for Olympiacos
The pursuit of Cole Anthony represents a calculated attempt by Olympiacos to mitigate the damage caused by Jean Montero's long-term injury. By targeting a player with both NBA experience and high-volume scoring production in the NBL, the club is looking for a solution that offers both immediate impact and proven professional quality. Whether the financial terms of the buyout and the player's personal interest align remains to be seen, but the move underscores the club's proactive approach to roster management in a demanding Euroleague season.
