NBA

Shump’s slump prompts Knicks trade talk

Remember the theory that Iman Shumpert’s return would boost the Knicks and Amar’e Stoudemire’s return would hinder it?

It hasn’t turned out that way, and Stoudemire trade rumors have given way to Shumpert trade rumors. After 11 games, Shumpert still is trying to find his rookie mojo — on both ends on the floor.

A Yahoo! Sports report claimed the Suns had interest in a Shumpert-for-Jared Dudley swap that could include a Phoenix first-round pick.

But Shumpert, coming off ACL surgery that shelved him nine months, still is regarded as a centerpiece of the future and, at least before his comeback, was deemed virtually untouchable.

Shumpert’s comeback hit a low point in Minnesota on Friday. He was a non-factor, going scoreless in 12:11. Coach Mike Woodson is insistent on starting him in a small-ball lineup with Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd, but it’s not clicking on either end.

Woodson is most disappointed in Shumpert’s defense, which was spectacular in his rookie year. Woodson has held his minutes to less than 19 per game. Shumpert doesn’t seem as explosive, even missing a few dunks.

“We don’t need him to play 30 minutes right now,’’ Woodson said this week. “I’m just slowly trying to bring him along. He’s played pretty good in spurts. Defensively, he’s not [playing with] reckless abandon like he was last year. A lot of that will come when he feels confidence in moving laterally and gamble a little bit. All of that will come. I think he’s still trying to find himself as well.’’

On Twitter yesterday, Shumpert wrote, “Soon my body will catch up to my mind. Taking a lil longer than I thought. But if it was easy, everyone would do it.’’

Woodson has indicated his other option to continue his small-ball starting lineup is excavating Ronnie Brewer, who excelled as a starter to begin the season, but has tailed off recently.

* It’s a close race for the NBA’s Sixth Man Award between J.R. Smith and the Clippers’ Jamal Crawford. Smith is averaging 16.2 points in 33 minutes. The ex-Knick Crawford is averaging 16.8 points in 28.4 minutes. Crawford is shooting 42.2 percent to Smith’s 40.2 percent. Smith, however, has two buzzer-beaters, plays better defense and averages 5.0 rebounds.

“Without a doubt, I’m watching him,’’ Smith said. “Jamal is one of my favorite players to watch. I’d definitely follow his game, not just as sixth-man [battle] but as a fan.”

* There was loud clapping in the Knicks’ locker room after the win in Minnesota. It was a salute to future Hall of Famer Jason Kidd, who had four assists to reach the 12,000 mark, placing him second all-time behind John Stockton.

“Twelve thousand assists is an amazing accomplishment for a great point guard and he’s one of them,’’ Stoudemire said.