Could Giannis and KAT Be on the Move? A Hypothetical Blockbuster Trade Shakes Up the NBA Trade Deadline Buzz
With the NBA trade deadline looming on February 5, the rumor mill is heating up-and few names are drawing more attention than Giannis Antetokounmpo and Karl-Anthony Towns. Both stars are facing uncertain futures with their respective teams, and now, a hypothetical three-team blockbuster deal has surfaced that would send shockwaves through the league if it ever came to life.
The proposed trade, floated by CBS reporter Sam Quinn and shared on social media, involves the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers in a massive player-and-picks shuffle. And at the center of it all? Giannis heading to the Big Apple.
The Deal on Paper
Let’s break down the moving pieces in this theoretical trade:
- The Knicks would land Giannis Antetokounmpo, adding a generational talent to a roster already pushing toward contender status.
- Milwaukee would receive Karl-Anthony Towns, Miles McBride, Pacome Dadiet, and a collection of first-round picks and swaps-highlighted by New York’s 2026 first-rounder and a 2028 first from Portland.
- Portland would send out Jerami Grant and receive Miles Bridges and Guerschon Yabusele in return.
It’s a deal that, on paper, checks a lot of boxes for all three franchises. The Knicks get their superstar centerpiece.
The Bucks, presumably pivoting toward a rebuild, stock up on young talent and draft capital. And the Blazers stay under the first apron while adding players who could help shape a new core.
Of course, this is all hypothetical-for now. But the fact that these names are being floated in the same conversation is a clear sign that no one is off limits as the deadline approaches.
Knicks Eyeing Defensive Reinforcements, KAT in the Middle of Trade Talks
Even beyond the Giannis buzz, Karl-Anthony Towns continues to be a focal point in trade discussions-especially in New York, where the Knicks are reportedly exploring ways to reshape their frontcourt.
Despite being viewed as one of the top contenders in the East, the Knicks have struggled to find consistency this season, particularly on the defensive end. Towns, known more for his offensive skill set than his rim protection, has often been seen as a mismatch for the kind of defensive identity head coach Mike Brown is trying to build.
That’s led to reports of the Knicks exploring trade options centered around Towns in exchange for a more defensively-minded big. According to league sources, New York has held preliminary discussions with both the Dallas Mavericks and the Memphis Grizzlies.
The names being floated? Anthony Davis and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Yes, you read that right. The Knicks have reportedly talked with Dallas about a potential deal involving Davis, and have also had separate conversations with Memphis centered around Jackson Jr.-both elite defenders who could instantly elevate New York’s interior presence.
If either of those deals were to materialize, it would be a major shift in the Knicks’ trajectory. Pairing a defensive anchor like Davis or Jackson Jr. with the offensive firepower already on the roster could be the missing piece that takes New York from fringe contender to full-on title threat.
What It All Means
Whether it’s a fantasy scenario involving Giannis or more grounded trade talks around Towns, one thing is clear: the Knicks are not standing pat. They’re hunting for that next-level move-one that could finally bring a championship back to Madison Square Garden after a five-decade drought.
As for Milwaukee and Portland, both teams are in different stages of their respective arcs. The Bucks, if they were to move Giannis, would be signaling a hard reset. Portland, meanwhile, continues to retool around young talent and financial flexibility.
With just over a week until the deadline, expect the chatter to only intensify. And while this particular mock trade may never come to fruition, it’s a reminder that in today’s NBA, no superstar is ever truly untouchable.