The Milwaukee Bucks made a subtle move ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, reshuffling the back end of their roster in a deal with the Phoenix Suns. The trade sent guard Cole Anthony and wing Amir Coffey to Phoenix in exchange for center Nick Richards and forward Nigel Hayes-Davis.
Let’s break down what this means for Milwaukee.
Nick Richards Brings Size, Not Stretch
At 6-foot-11 and in his sixth NBA season, Richards gives the Bucks a traditional big man presence - something they’ve lacked off the bench at times this season. He’s not going to stretch the floor - he’s attempted just five three-pointers in his entire career - but that’s not what he’s here for. Richards is a rim-runner and interior defender, the kind of player who can give the Bucks second-unit minutes in the paint, clean up on the glass, and provide some vertical spacing in pick-and-roll actions.
With Brook Lopez aging and Bobby Portis more of a stretch big, Richards offers a different look - a more physical, paint-bound option who can hold his own defensively against bigger lineups. He’s not a game-changer, but in a playoff series, a few quality minutes from a reliable backup center can matter.
Nigel Hayes-Davis: A Familiar Name Returns
Wisconsin fans will recognize the name. Hayes-Davis, now 31, is back in the NBA after a seven-year run overseas. The former Badger had a short stint with the Suns this season but struggled to find a rhythm in limited minutes, connecting on just 12.5% of his three-point attempts.
Still, the Bucks aren’t bringing him in to be a volume shooter. He’s a high-IQ wing with defensive versatility and a strong understanding of team concepts - traits that could earn him a look in certain matchups. His experience overseas, where he played at a high level, gives him a different perspective and a maturity that could be valuable in a locker room with championship aspirations.
Moving On From Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey
Cole Anthony’s time in Milwaukee was brief and underwhelming. Picked up after a buyout from Memphis, the 25-year-old guard never found his footing.
In 35 games, he averaged 6.7 points in about 15 minutes per night, shooting just 30% from deep - a career low in what’s been a tough season overall. The Bucks gave him a shot, but the fit just wasn’t there.
As for Amir Coffey, he earned a roster spot out of training camp on a non-guaranteed deal and appeared in 30 games. But he played under nine minutes per game and shot just 28% from three. Like Anthony, he simply didn’t carve out a consistent role in Milwaukee’s rotation.
What This Means Moving Forward
This isn’t a blockbuster, and it’s not meant to be. The Bucks are fine-tuning a roster that already has its core in place. But adding a physical big like Richards and a savvy veteran wing in Hayes-Davis gives them a bit more depth and optionality - especially as they gear up for a postseason run.
The Bucks know who they are. This trade isn’t about reinventing the wheel - it’s about making sure every spoke is strong enough to carry the load when it matters most.