The New York Knicks, fresh off a breakthrough Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2025, have emerged as legitimate contenders, but they remain one elite perimeter star away from surmounting the final barrier with their core of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. A season ago, New York combined improved coaching and savvy additions like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges to make a run to the ECF, but ultimately fell short of their championship ambitions.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic, who already turned heads by acquiring Desmond Bane and developing rising star Franz Wagner, who averaged over 24 PPG in the latest regular season, are quietly positioning themselves for another blockbuster splash. In this context, a potential trade, sending Wagner to New York for Anunoby, guard Miles McBride, and a 2032 second-round pick, could reshape the power dynamic in the East.
Proposed Trade Details
New York Knicks Receive: Franz Wagner
Orlando Magic Receive: OG Anunoby, Miles McBride, 2032 second-round pick
This trade would completely alter the rosters of both teams in the Eastern Conference, so let’s dive in and see how it could play out.
New York Knicks Create A New Big Three To Challenge For East’s Crown
This offseason could mark a seismic shift for the Knicks. Pairing Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns with a third superstar would catapult them into legitimate Eastern Conference favorites. With Brunson posting 26.0 PPG and 7.3 APG last season and Towns offering unmatched floor spacing from the power forward/center slot (24.4 PPG, 12.8 RPG on 42.0% 3-PT FG), New York has already built a fierce nucleus.
Currently, Brunson is an elite leader and clutch scorer, Towns blends shooting and size in a way few big men can, and OG Anunoby (18.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG) provides defensive rigidity and versatility. But stepping beyond the ECF ceiling they hit last year requires a dynamic swingman who can both score and defend at Wagner-level volume. That missing piece could be the difference between a “good team” and a championship contender.
Enter Franz Wagner: Orlando’s 24-point-per-game breakout star, named an Eastern Conference reserve in the 2025 All-Star Game. Adding him next to Brunson and Towns would give New York a true Big Three with length, scoring balance, and finishing prowess, fuel for long playoff runs. Losing Anunoby and McBride is never ideal for obvious reasons, but it could be a sacrifice that must happen.
Orlando Magic Re-Tool With A Defensive Star And 6th-Man Scorer
Something is brewing in Orlando’s front office: after flipping for Desmond Bane, the Magic could now pivot toward a deal that brings in OG Anunoby’s lockdown defense and Miles McBride’s spark as a high-energy reserve (9.5 PPG in 24.9 MPG). Then again, swingman depth might resonate with their vision of building around Paolo Banchero and Bane.
Anunoby offers elite perimeter defense and has steadily earned his stripes; he’s the kind of glue piece that complements Banchero’s growing scoring acumen. A strong defensive presence who can guard wings and trust the rotation, Anunoby brings playoff-tested toughness that aligns with Orlando’s desire for grit and defensive discipline.
Meanwhile, McBride could step into a 6th-man role thanks to his sharp shooting and pace control off the bench. Add a future second-round pick into the deal, and the Magic retain flexibility to sustain the next wave. This is no full sell-off, but a strategic remix; defense, depth, and a sprinkle of upside for good measure.
A Blockbuster Trade Idea That Boosts Two Title-Contenders And Rivals
Picture this: New York trades OG Anunoby, Miles McBride, and a 2032 second-rounder to Orlando for Franz Wagner. Suddenly, the Knicks have a lethal trio of Brunson, Towns, and Wagner. Orlando counters by plugging in Anunoby’s defense and keeping Wagner’s slot open for Bane or another breakout contributor.
The implications are huge: Knicks instantly upgrade to Big Three status with a young, ascending star who averaged 24.2 PPG and was thrust into the 2025 All-Star Game. Wagner’s playoff production, 25.8 PPG across five games, underscores his ability to perform under pressure; he has made multiple 30+ point outings and three separate 37-point explosions this season.
On the flip side, Orlando acquires a proven lockdown perimeter defender and physical wing in Anunoby, plus depth scoring in McBride, all while retaining a draft asset. For both franchises, this trade could level the competitive playing field in the East, creating two revamped rosters now capable of waging war for the conference crown, without giving away their entire future.
