NBA

Knicks’ Prigioni wants to stay in NBA

Say it’s so, Pablo!

Knicks rookie point guard Pablo Prigioni said on Argentine radio Wednesday his preference is to remain in the NBA next season rather than return to the Spanish League and his wife is OK with it.

“If I can choose, I prefer to play in the United States and stay in the NBA,’’ Prigioni said.

According to Argentine sportswriter Julian Mozo of Ole’ Newspaper, in the radio interview Prigioni, 35, denied his wife wants him to return to the Spanish League next season and claimed she likes New York. Nevertheless, Prigioni revealed he won’t play for Team Argentina in the World Cup qualifier this summer because of his family.

Prigioni will be a free agent on July 1. The Knicks would have to dip into their $3.1 million mid-level exception to match an offer from another team, as Prigioni will be a restricted free agent.

Prigioni’s agent, George Bass, is expected to seek a one-year deal worth about $2 million. The Knicks could include Prigioni in a sign-and-trade and receive back a trade exception. There’s a possibility San Antonio will have interest because Prigioni is close friends with fellow countryman Manu Ginobili.

Prigioni signed just a one-year deal so he would have better leverage this summer if he chose to remain in the NBA.