Knicks better hope latest Celtics trade rumors aren't true

Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies | Katelyn Mulcahy/GettyImagesThis is the year that the New York Knicks are supposed to break through in the Eastern Conference and return to the NBA Finals for the first time in a quarter-century. Once again, their top competition appears to be the Boston Celtics, and the task will grow much more difficult if the Celtics trade for a star big like Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Knicks appeared poised to take control of the Eastern Conference. Three playoff teams from last season lost stars to Achilles tears, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been inconsistent all year, and the Orlando Magic have battled their own injury issues and haven't taken a step forward. It was…