NBA

Lee talking like time with Knicks coming to an end

TORONTO — David Lee spoke with such finality late Monday night in the Knicks’ locker room, it was hard not to notice.

“I’m glad we won and I got to experience one last Knick victory,” he said after they defeated the Wizards in their Garden finale.

There was a long, awkward pause and Lee realized the severity of his words. “If that’s the way it turns out,” Lee added nervously.

Say goodbye tonight to the Knicks’ season — and to most of their players.

Tonight in Toronto, the Knicks finish their despicable campaign at Air Canada Centre (7:00 MSG, WEPN). Most on the roster — very possibly Lee — are finished in New York, too, fulfilling their roles as stop gaps to the summer.

BERMAN’S PREDICTIONS ON WHERE KNICKS PLAYERS WILL LAND

The Knicks (29-52) close out another 50-loss season on Canadian soil, and with any luck, close out the most wretched nine-year period in team history.

Team president Donnie Walsh believes cap space will transform the franchise into a winner in 2010-2011, though that plan could go up in flames in July if LeBron James commits to Cleveland, Dwyane Wade stays in Miami and Chris Bosh leaves Toronto for a winning franchise.

Only four of the 14 current Knicks have contracts for next season — Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler Toney Douglas and Eddy Curry, who will be a buyout candidate.

Gallinari, Chandler, Douglas, Billy Walker and new center Earl Barron are the only Knicks who figure to be back next season.

Lee could return if the Knicks don’t land the big fish. The Knicks’ No. 1 wish is pairing James and Bosh with their two maximum-contract spots. The likelier scenario is pairing Joe Johnson with Bosh, who won’t play tonight against the Knicks because he is out indefinitely after suffering a facial fracture last week.

Bosh is expected to want out of Canada and before his injury, expressed frustration with his teammates. Dealing Lee in a sign-and-trade for Bosh could be a possibility as Raptors president Bryan Colangelo likes Lee — and D’Antoni.

Meanwhile, the Raptors need tonight’s game to have a chance at the eighth seed as they battle the Bulls to the wire.

“We’re still going to compete; it’s a big game for Toronto,” said Chris Duhon, undoubtedly making his Knicks swan song. “You don’t want to be embarrassed in your last game.”

Beyond the big free-agent names, the Knicks will need a serviceable starting point guard to replace Duhon. Coach Mike D’Antoni views Douglas as a backup, and the defensively challenged Sergio Rodriguez didn’t excel in his 25-game tryout.

Free agents, Steve Blake, Luke Ridnour, Raymond Felton, even Shawn Livingston are on the radar. Meanwhile, Orlando and New Orleans, Duhon’s hometown, may make a run at Duhon.

Al Harrington and Tracy McGrady will be on the move. Harrington’s season ended last week with shoulder surgery and he joked even the Knicks’ Web site had him playing his last game in a Knick uniform, which it hadn’t.

McGrady? He didn’t come close to showing D’Antoni he can be counted on next season.

One guy who won’t be clearing out his locker tomorrow is Gallinari, who has enjoyed an explosive April, averaging 22.4 in the seven games, and has D’Antoni giddy again.

Gallinari, averaging 15 points, will play his 81st game tonight after last season’s back-ravaged campaign limited him to 28.

“People were thinking something when I first came, now they are thinking a little different,” Gallinari said. “I’m really happy. I feel good because last season I couldn’t play because of injury. This year it’s 81 of 82. I’m happy with my body.”

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The NBA finally announced the Knicks’ preseason trip to Milan and Paris. They face Gallinari’s old club, Armani Jeans Oct. 3 and are in Paris Oct. 6 vs. the Timberwolves.

marc.berman@nypost.com