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BOSTON — Knicks forward Al Harrington often wears a ballcap with a scripted “NJ.”
The former star at St. Patrick’s High in Elizabeth, who lives in Edgewater, said he’s not trying to send out any subliminal messages — but told The Post he definitely would be interested in signing with his hometown Nets this summer, especially since they will play in Newark, 10 miles from Elizabeth, the next two seasons.
“If they had interest in me, I’d take a strong look at that,” Harrington, a free-agent-to-be, told The Post.
“It’s still the city. It’s still home. I’d rather play at the Garden, but I’d play in Newark, too.”
According to a source, the Wizards, Blazers and Bulls are expected to have interest in Harrington this summer.
An unrestricted free agent, he once talked boldly about how Knicks president Donnie Walsh, who drafted him, will push to re-sign him.
But Harrington, who’ll face the Celtics tonight as the 24-43 Knicks conclude a five-game trip, does not talk boldly anymore.
He’s seen the writing on the wall, feels he’s been shoved aside to give more playing time to guys who figure in their future.
“It’d be a lie if I said I didn’t think about it,” Harrington, a 30-year-old, 11th-year pro, said of free his agency.
“At the end of the day, I’ll definitely have a job next year. Someone’s going to want my services — if it’s not New York, somewhere else.
“For me it doesn’t matter. I know I’m going to end up somewhere. As long as I’m in a position to win basketball games. I don’t want to be at this point of the year, not playing for anything. Because this [stinks].”
Harrington might be a good fit for the offensive-starved Nets. No matter what you say about Harrington, he can score a lot of ways — averaging 17.8 points in 30 minutes.
Harrington never became one of Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni’s guys. The coach almost never brings up his name to the media, and took him out of the starting lineup early in the season to showcase prospect Danilo Gallinari.
Harrington said he’s used to feeling underappreciated.
“It’s been like that since I’ve been here,” Harrington said. “I’m too nice of a guy. That’s the problem. If I was a [jerk], nobody would hassle with me.”
Harrington felt he could have been featured more in the offense, but understood circumstances.
“I know the business of the league,” he said. “Will [Wilson Chandler] and Gallo [Gallinari], they’re both 22 and I’m 30. They can play for the next 10 years.”
He’s read the coaching staff wasn’t happy with his ball movement or defense. Yet D’Antoni never spoke to him.
Fifteen more games left for the Knicks, likely 15 left for Harrington as a Knick.