Bitar’s trade proposal would require the Knicks to send OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, three future draft picks, and a 2030 first-round pick swap to the Suns for Durant. At age 36, Durant is still a game-changing NBA asset. Aging stars with skill sets predicated on athleticism usually fail to produce during the final years of their careers.

Anunoby declined his player option as a free agent and re-signed with New York to a five-year, $212.5 million deal. His contract got more scrutiny than the four-year max deal Philadelphia gave Paul George. The Knicks were willing to do whatever it took to keep Anunoby in New York, or else the front office wouldn't have traded for him.