The NBA offseason continues to produce fireworks as the Phoenix Suns officially waved goodbye to a failed era while the Los Angeles Clippers set themselves up for one last bite at the apple. The Memphis Grizzlies fit into this equation after they bought out former Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony last weekend.
Cole Anthony was acquired by the Grizzlies along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and four first-round draft picks in the trade that landed the Orlando Magic Desmond Bane back on Father's Day. With Scotty Pippen Jr. already in the backup point guard position, the team opted to sign Ty Jerome for the backup combo guard position, making Anthony expendable.
Due to the Grizzlies' prioritization of renegotiating Jaren Jackson Jr.'s deal with cap space, Cole Anthony's $13 million contract was the deal they had to get rid of. Buying him out set the Grizzlies up to make Jackson Jr.'s extension official, and this follow-up move paved the way for a Grizzlies rival to complete their roster.
The Bucks signed Anthony, leading to Beal's likely destination
Cole Anthony officially signed with the Milwaukee Bucks on July 16th, four days after his buyout with the Grizzlies became official. Much like the Memphis Grizzlies, the Phoenix Suns were looking for a resolution with Bradley Beal's contract due to having no trade available to get rid of his deal for a minimum return in salary
The same day that Cole Anthony signed with the Bucks became the same day the Suns bought Beal out of his deal. He signed with the Los Angeles Clippers upon executing his buyout to lock them in as a Western Conference contender this season.
The Milwaukee Bucks were believed to be a team interested in signing Beal after waiving Damian Lillard last month, but they opted to sign Cole Anthony instead. The Los Angeles Clippers had an opening for Beal's signing after trading former scoring wing Norman Powell in a deal that brought them back John Collins earlier this month.
On paper, the Clippers look like a formidable opponent that can contend for the Western Conference title. But, just like the Grizzlies, health will be the biggest question as Beal hasn't had the best history in that department, along with their best player Kawhi Leonard.
The Grizzlies were behind the Clippers in the standings last season, and are likely expected to remain that way heading into next season. However, the games aren't played on paper and Memphis is never the team to back down under any circumstances.