This is a prediction.
The Charlotte Hornets have hit a tough stretch. Sitting at 7-16, theyāre 12th in the East and stuck near the bottom of the Southeast division.
The numbers show why theyāve struggled to win games. Their offense sits at 29th, their defense at 24th, and their net rating is buried near the leagueās basement. They canāt score, they canāt get stops, and most nights, they canāt keep the game close.
Injuries have played a huge role in their struggles. LaMelo Ball keeps battling ankle issues, Brandon Millerās shoulder keeps acting up, Pat Connaughton and Josh Green have missed time, and Grant Williams has been managing a knee problem.
With so many rotation pieces sidelined, Charlotte has been throwing together makeshift lineups that never really find a rhythm.
If they want to change the trajectory of their season, they need a reliable piece who can steady them on both ends. This trade idea gives them that chance.
More NBA Content from TWSN
The Orlando Magic Are The Most Dangerous Team In The East
The Chicago Bulls Are Mishandling Matas Buzelis
The Miami Heat Are True NBA Championship Contenders
OG Anunoby to the Hornets: Potential Trade IdeaĀ
Charlotte Hornets Receive: OG Anunoby
New York Knicks Receive: Miles Bridges, Grant Williams
Why OG Anunoby Changes Everything for Charlotte
The Knicks lean on OG Anunoby to play a role on both ends of the floor. He drives their perimeter defense with his ability to disrupt actions and handle tough assignments without help.
Heās also been efficient as a scorer despite a modest usage rate, putting up 15.5 points, 5.2 boards, 2.1 assists, and almost two steals a night on 47.6 percent shooting.
His defensive range sets him apart. With a 7ā2.5ā wingspan, he slides between matchups and handles stars across positions. The metrics match what you see: his Defensive Plus-Minus lands in the 85th percentile, and he routinely finishes among the leagueās leaders in deflections and on-ball pressure.
He understands his role on offense. He shoots 37 percent from three, which makes him a reliable spacer. Heās not there to run the offense. Heās there to cut, spot up, and fill lanes in transition, and he excels in those roles.
Charlotte would gain exactly what it lacks by adding him. His defensive backbone and clean scoring add stability. Once LaMelo returns, pairing him with a wing who can guard anyone and hit open shots fits seamlessly.
What the Knicks Get in Miles Bridges and Grant Williams
New York would only move a player like Anunoby if the return makes real sense, and in this setup, they add two forwards who can step into the rotation right away.
Miles Bridges
Bridges would give the Knicks a high-usage scorer who can ease the load on Jalen Brunson. Heās averaging 20.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists this season, and he still relies on his burst to get downhill and punish closeouts.Ā
He isnāt shooting the ball particularly well this year, around 42 percent from the field with streaky three-point numbers, but his pressure on the rim and ability to create shots still matter.
On defense, heās held up better than most people assume, especially when heās contesting shots or rotating to the rim.
Grant Williams
Williams is a dependable role player who spaces the floor and keeps the ball moving. Heās putting up roughly 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds while knocking down threes at a steady clip.
His contract works for team-building, and heās comfortable handling the dirty work, something every playoff team needs.
Why This Deal Makes Sense for Both Sides
From the Knicksā Point of View
New York sits near the top of the East, so any move involving Anunoby stings. He gives them elite defense and efficient offense. Still, they would gain a more assertive scorer in Bridges, someone who can tilt a playoff game when he gets going.Ā Williams can strengthen the frontcourt rotation.
The real question is whether the scoring boost makes up for the defensive slide. A team pushing for a higher seed might decide that extra punch is worth it.
From the Hornetsā Perspective
Charlotte would feel the impact of this deal more than New York. They need structure, defense, and a player who can raise their ceiling without dominating possessions. Anunoby does all of that.
He can step in as their best defender and one of their most efficient offensive options. Once the roster is healthy, a trio of Ball, Brandon Miller, and Anunoby would bring a balance theyāve lacked for a long time.
Bridgesā scoring and Williamsā steady minutes help, but Anunoby offers the upside that Charlotte wants as the front office tries to reshape the franchise.