Why Embiid Remains Knicks' Dream 'Trade'

"It's no secret that the Knicks (and the NBA in general) were extremely interested in Joel Embiid's future with the Philadelphia 76ers last summer when James Harden asked for a trade," Swartz wrote. "The Knicks' dream is to have Embiid request a trade at some point while New York is waiting with first-round picks and any player not named Jalen Brunson to put into a deal."

"The Sixers could be headed for an early playoff exit if Embiid doesn't return or isn't close to 100 percent and are banking on using their cap space to find a star to place between him and Tyrese Maxey. What if no star comes, though, and Philadelphia has to settle for role players instead?"

The Knicks reportedly monitored Embiid's relations with the Sixers but the storm died down once the season got underway. This time around, Embiid's long-term health could play a factor in his future: the 30-year-old has not played since Jan. 30 due to a meniscus injury. Philadelphia has missed him dearly, as they've gone only 9-13 in that span (albeit 3-2 in their last five).

The Knicks have shown that they are not afraid to make a trade or two to contend right away, and Embiid, even with a troubling medical history, could be a player to watch if the team decides to deal again.