NBA Mock Draft 5.0: A.J. Griffin rises; Knicks acquire Zion Williamson

New York Knicks acquire Zion Williamson in a three-team trade

In this three-team trade, the Knicks send Julius Randle to the Charlotte Hornets in an attempt to add another first-round pick and P.J. Washington to their package to New Orleans for Zion Williamson.

The Knicks get Zion, the Hornets get Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr., and the Pelicans get three first-round picks along with P.J. Washington and Gordon Hayward. Zion gets out of a situation that he might not want to be in and the Knicks are successful in their effort of recreating Duke at the NBA level.

At the same time, the Hornets are able to improve their roster which could help them take a step up in the Eastern Conference next season. All in all, this is a huge win (under the assumption that Zion wants out of New Orleans, which has been whispered as of late).

Now, to the mock draft.