Phoenix Suns Waive Cole Anthony: Betting Implications and Roster Outlook
By Oddixa —
The Phoenix Suns have waived guard Cole Anthony just three weeks after acquiring him at the trade deadline, leaving the veteran looking for a new home as the postseason approaches.
A Short-Lived Tenure in the Valley
In a move that caught many NBA analysts by surprise, the Phoenix Suns have officially waived guard Cole Anthony. The news, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, comes just three weeks after the Suns acquired Anthony in a trade deadline deal intended to bolster their backcourt depth.
Perhaps most notably for those following the team's box scores, Anthony departs Phoenix without having logged a single minute of game action. Despite the initial excitement surrounding his arrival as a potential spark plug off the bench, the veteran guard remained a spectator during his brief stint in Arizona.
Why the Suns Moved On
From a basketball operations standpoint, this move suggests a shift in priority for the Suns as they gear up for a deep playoff run. When the trade was first consummated, Anthony was viewed as an insurance policy—a player capable of creating his own shot and providing secondary playmaking. However, the emergence of other rotational pieces and a desire for defensive versatility likely pushed Anthony out of the rotation before he could even break into it.
By waiving him now, the Suns open up a valuable roster spot. For bettors, this is a signal to watch the buyout market closely. Phoenix is clearly positioning themselves to add a specific veteran piece—likely a wing defender or a traditional backup center—who fits a more immediate need than another high-usage guard.
Betting Perspective: Impact on the Suns' Rotation
For sports bettors, the departure of a player who wasn't playing might seem like a non-event, but it provides clarity on the Suns’ current identity.
1. Minutes Consolidation
With Anthony out of the picture, there is no longer a "threat" to the minutes of the incumbent bench guards. This solidifies the floor for players like Grayson Allen or Eric Gordon (depending on the nightly lineup). Bettors looking at Player Over/Under props for Suns’ reserve guards can now project minutes with more certainty, knowing the coaching staff isn't looking to experiment with a new high-volume shooter.
2. Championship Futures
Phoenix remains a top-tier contender in the Western Conference. While waiving Anthony doesn't move the needle on their championship odds significantly, the subsequent move—who they sign with the open roster spot—certainly could. If the Suns land a defensive specialist via the buyout market, their value in the NBA Finals Outright market may see a slight sharpen.
What’s Next for Cole Anthony?
Cole Anthony now enters the waiver wire, and his availability creates several interesting opportunities for player prop markets elsewhere. At his best, Anthony is a dynamic scorer who can change the energy of a game.
Teams looking for scoring punch off the bench—such as the Philadelphia 76ers or the Orlando Magic (in a potential reunion)—could be landing spots. If Anthony signs with a team where he is guaranteed 20+ minutes, bettors should look to target his Points + Rebounds + Assists (PRA) overs early on. Often, a change of scenery provides a statistical "bump" as a player looks to prove his worth on a new contract.
The Final Word for Oddixa Readers
The Suns are leaning into their established core, prioritizing chemistry and specific role-players over raw scoring talent. For bettors, the takeaway is simple: Phoenix is happy with their current offensive output and is likely looking to shore up defensive deficiencies with their newly vacant roster spot. Keep a close eye on the transaction wire over the next 48 hours, as the Suns' "Phase 2" of the trade deadline is likely just beginning.