Knicks 'monitoring' MVP's happiness with Sixers

Embiid's comments come hot on the heels of James Harden's trade request. The Sixers failed to contend for a championship last season, losing to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the playoffs. Now, Philadelphia appears to be crumbling from the inside. 

Whenever a contending team shows signs of decay, the vultures start to circle. Other teams with hopes of challenging for a championship begin to lie in wait. 

According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the New York Knicks could be one of those teams, as they are reportedly 'monitoring' Embiid's happiness in Philadelphia. 

"Meanwhile, teams around the league — especially the New York Knicks — are monitoring how the Harden saga plays out in Philadelphia and will affect the happiness of MVP Joel Embiid," Scotto reported. "The Knicks have long admired Embiid and have significant draft capital to dangle. Embiid’s former agent was Leon Rose, who now leads New York’s front office."

New York has been biding their time for elite talent to potentially become available on the trade market. Not many teams can put together a trade package as comprehensive as what the Knicks can offer. 

Leon Rose could give the Sixers all the tools they need to enter a full-scale rebuild. New York can send multiple draft assets, young players, veteran salary fillers, and even a potential All-Star as part of a deal to acquire Embiid. 

In return, the Knicks would instantly be catapulted toward the top of the Eastern Conference. The rebuilding job under Tom Thibodeau would be done, and in its place would come a period of legitimate contention. 

Embiid is the sort of player the Knicks have been building toward. New York's desire to land a truly elite player is part of the reason they fumbled in their pursuit of Donovan Mitchell last season. 

If Embiid does decide to call time on his tenure with the Sixers, New York would be a logical destination for the reigning MVP. New York is meant to house star talent, and adding Embiid could the first step toward awaking a sleeping giant.