NBA Mock Trade Sends Zion To Bucks, Karl-Anthony Towns to Pels, Giannis to Knicks

A three-team NBA mock trade gives Zion Williamson a fresh start in Milwaukee, Giannis another championship window in New York, and KAT a new team to lead in New Orleans.

Feb 21, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks on during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Going into the 2019 draft season, Zion Williamson was the most hyped prospect since LeBron James. He spent one season at Duke, where he averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. This led him to receive several prestigious awards, including the Wooden Award, the Naismith Trophy, and the AP Player of the Year award.

He has not fulfilled that Lebron James prophecy so far. In his six seasons as a pro, he has played 30 games or fewer four times, including missing the entire 2021-2022 season. He has still shown flashes of greatness, however, receiving two All-Star appearances, finishing third in the Rookie of the Year voting while averaging 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in his career.

As the old saying goes in sports, the best ability is availability. And the Pelicans could be looking to find a player who will be on the court more often than Zion in exchange for his services. Let's take a look at what a potential three-team swap could look like, including several All-Star players.

Milwaukee Bucks- New York Knicks- New Orleans Pelicans NBA Mock Trade:

Bucks Acquire:

Zion Williamson

Kelly Olynyk

Pacome Dadiet

Tyler Kolek

2026 1st round pick (Via New Orleans)

2026 1st round pick (Via New York)

2026 1st round pick ( Via New York)

2027 1st round pick ( Via New Orleans)

2028 1st round pick ( Via New York)

Pelicans Acquire:

Karl Anthony Towns

Knicks Acquire:

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Bucks:

The Bucks start their franchise rebuild with a slew of picks and a superstar player in need of a change of scenery. At just 25 years old, the sky is the limit for Zion. If Williamson can prove he can stay healthy for a full season, the Bucks could have their franchise cornerstone for years to come.

Zion Williamson is still viewed by many NBA executives as the best American-born prospect in the past 10+ years.

The way Williamson dominated at Duke, it’s unfortunate we haven’t seen this version on a consistent basis in over five years due to injuries.pic.twitter.com/cWK3DcBNPX

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) August 9, 2025

Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Pelicans:

The Pelicans get an established All Star with fewer injury concerns than Zion. Towns provides a versatile offensive game, excelling as both a shooter and a passer, while also demonstrating excellent ball-handling skills.

Karl-Anthony Towns hooks the pass behind his head 😱 pic.twitter.com/LWIf4SuKjq

— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 10, 2024

Why This Trade Makes Sense For the Knicks:

The Knicks swap one superstar for another, but Giannis is a clear upgrade over Towns. He provides an upgrade both offensively and defensively, with his speed and more physical play style, while also bringing champion experience.

Most points scored in the last decade:

18,983 - Giannis Antetokounmpo
18,801 - James Harden
17,686 - DeMar DeRozan
17,621 - Damian Lillard
17,271 - LeBron James
16,672 - Steph Curry
16,452 - Devin Booker
16,210 - Nikola Jokic
15,485 - Russell Westbrook pic.twitter.com/LxxQF9cuEp

— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) July 29, 2025

Fantasy Basketball Implications:

With a swap of three players all averaging over 24 points a game, there isn't much of a change in the fantasy basketball landscape. As long as all three All Stars stay healthy for their respective teams, they should all continue to put up similar numbers and continue to be dominant forces in the league and the fantasy world.