When the Rockets dealt big guard Alexey Shved and two future second-rounders for point guard Pablo Prigioni at the trade deadline, the club did so believing the Russian likely is planning a return to Europe next season, according to an NBA source.
Shved, 26, received scant playing time in Houston, and the Rockets didn’t see a future with him. Whatever he had been plotting, Shved denies Europe is on his mind now. In fact, he told The Post he hopes his future is as a New Yorker.
If the final 22 games for the worst team in Knicks history have any merit, it’s an audition for the skilled 6-foot-6 Shved. Knicks president Phil Jackson and general manager Steve Mills are evaluating whether they will try to retain him — and vice versa.
For the right price, Jackson would love to have a guard who learned the triangle offense quicker than J.R. Smith issues an inappropriate tweet. Shved has shown an ability to knock down perimeter shots, drive the ball and, most importantly in coach Derek Fisher’s eyes, get to the free-throw line. The undrafted combo guard is riding out the final months of an outlandish contract lavished by former Timberwolves GM David Kahn that pays him $3.5 million this season.
“I don’t know who said this,’’ Shved said regarding European aspirations. “But I’ve never said this. I’m not thinking about that. I want to stay here.
“I’m not thinking about [free agency],’’ added Shved, who won a bronze medal on the 2012 Russian Olympic Team. “I still have this season. The next year I’m going to be a free agent, and that’s my agent’s job. I just want to finish this season in great shape and win a couple more games.’’
In six games for the Knicks, Shved is averaging 10 points, 2.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and four free-throw attempts. This on a squad ranked last in the league in free-throw attempts.
The maligned triangle is turning into Shved’s cup of tea.
“Yeah, I’m feeling good here,’’ he said. “It’s a different offense, not like everywhere. There’s no pick-and-rolls, just passing and cutting. I feel comfortable here.”
Shved said he has played in offenses with aspects of the triangle, but “Not like this every second. How many championships won with this triangle with Phil Jackson? We are old guys, professional players. We play what coach wants. If coach wants to play triangle, everybody should like it. I don’t have any problems. I see this as a great opportunity to take my minutes. I’m happy to be here right now.’’
Shved’s knack for getting to the line has Fisher excited.
“His skill set allows him to make plays,’’ Fisher said. “He can handle the basketball, shoot the ball, his size gets him to spots on the floor where other guys can’t, and he’s pretty confident, too. Even though he’s kind of unassuming, he’s a confident player. Free throws are not something you can draw up or create. As players evolve, they learn to play a game that’s aggressive and attacking. Alexey can do that.’’
Fisher said this week he wants to expand Shved’s role, noting the uneven outings of his young guards, rookie Langston Galloway and second-year man Tim Hardaway Jr.
“Alexey is continuing to find an identity and role within our team,’’ Fisher said. “We have to rely on him even more. We’re sometimes inconsistent at the guard spots.”
Shved isn’t the only international player on the roster trying to prove he should stay in the NBA. The Italian enigma, 7-footer Andrea Bargnani, has remained healthy for nine straight games. Now he has 22 more to earn a contract for next season.
Incredibly, Jackson doesn’t have a single player under contract for next season who plays power forward or center. Though it’s a long shot, Jackson, who projected Bargnani as his starting power forward, could offer him a one-year deal to keep him.
Bargnani has scored at least 17 points in four of the last five games. He’s hit for 25 twice, including in the loss Wednesday in Indiana.
Bargnani reiterated he has no interest in going back to Italy.
“Absolutely, I don’t see this question at this point,’’ he said angrily. “What’s the point of the question at this point of season? But yeah, I want to play in the NBA.’’
Bargnani is averaging 14 points in 11 games. Asked if things could have turned differently for the club if he weren’t injured most of the season, Bargnani said: “If I do that, you get only more frustrated because I didn’t control my injuries. Injuries are frustrating so you can stay here all day and think what would’ve happened. But I try not to do that. It’s pointless. It just gets more frustration.’’