Are the New York Knicks working on a blockbuster trade that lands them Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero? A new rumor seems to suggest that it is a possibility soon.
Over the first few months of the NBA season, the NY Knicks looked like one of the best teams in the league. Especially after they beat the San Antonio Spurs in the finals of the Emirates NBA Cup. However, they have started to worry their fans with a disastrous January.
Heading into their matchup on Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets, they have lost nine of their last 11, including an embarrassing Martin Luther King Day loss against the lowly Dallas Mavericks. Their horrifying play has led to a lot of trade speculation. Especially since many around the team believe their biggest problem is Karl-Anthony Towns being a poor fit under new head coach, Mike Brown.
Well, following their ugly setback against the Mavs, Newsday’s Steve Popper revealed an interesting rumor. According to the veteran NY Knicks reporter, the organization has been shopping Towns, and three teams they spoke to recently about a deal are the Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets.
Are the NY Knicks targeting a trade for Paolo Banchero?
The Magic, being one of the potential trade partners, is interesting. They also have a talented forward who has been thrown into trade speculation recently. When the former No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero missed 10 games this season, Orlando went 7-3 and looked very good with Franz Wagner as the focus of the offense. Overall, the team is 16-16 with Banchero and has not taken another development step forward in 2025-26.
It has created a narrative that Orlando may be better off without him. Flipping the young star for Towns does make some sense. The Magic are a good defensive team that may be able to cover Towns’ deficiencies on that side of the ball. However, he would bring even better scoring, but also the improved three-point shooting and rebounding they could use.
- Paolo Banchero stats: 20.9 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 27% 3PT
The NY Knicks may see the upside of a player who is an All-Star-level talent but still is only 23 years old. Banchero hasn’t reached his full potential as a scorer. Yet he brings a polished interior and mid-range game, as well as good ball-handling and playmaking skills for a big man. The organization might also feel he brings the grit, athleticism, and defensive effort that Towns lacks.
Banchero signed an extension last year that runs through 2031 and is worth $240 million.
