Amar’e Stoudemire might say “Shalom’’ to the NBA and play for his Israeli team in Jerusalem after his contract expires after next season, The Post has learned.
Stoudemire is part of a four-man ownership group, including superagent Arn Tellem, that purchased 60 percent of Hapoel Jerusalem last summer and turned the franchise into the top team in the Israeli league at 20-7.
Stoudemire’s late surge, during which he played near his All-Star level the season’s final month, could prompt him to seek another NBA contract after 2014-15 when his $100 million pact expires. But he’s also mulling Israel to boost its profile.
Stoudemire’s oft-troubled knees calmed down this season, and he has played 63 games entering Tuesday’s game in Brooklyn, averaging 11.9 points and five rebounds in 22.6 minutes, shooting 56 percent.
“We’ll see,’’ Stoudemire told The Post. “You can’t rule anything out. The future is unknown and so if I have an opportunity to [play in Israel] and am still in great health, it would be great. I have one more year left on my deal and we’ll go from there.’’
Stoudemire claims he has Jewish roots on his mother’s side and has become observant regarding Jewish holidays, including Passover, which began Monday night. Stoudemire said he will observe by not eating bread.
Israeli-American Ori Allon, who heads the Hapoel ownership group, said he has had discussions with Stoudemire about playing for Hapoel Jerusalem. Allon has a goal of making Hapoel into the same recognizable brand as Maccabi Tel Aviv and believes Stoudemire’s addition — as owner or player — has put the team on that path.
“We’ve discussed it in the past,’’ Allon said. “It would be tremendous and unbelievable but it’s still early. I think it’s a real possibility, but he played very well this season so it’s up to him.’’
With Stoudemire due $22 million for his final season, new Knicks president Phil Jackson probably will keep him, especially with his production as a legit low-post threat, which works in a triangle offense.
Stoudemire is very hard to deal under collective bargaining agreement rules and the Knicks desire to keep open cap space in 2015. Jackson would need to find an under-the-cap team with playoff hopes that can fit the bulk of Stoudemire’s contract, and only if the Knicks get back a legitimate prospect or draft picks.
For now, Stoudemire is enjoying being just an owner and is expected to fly to Israel in early June for the championship series.
“They did great,’’ said Stoudemire, who occasionally wears the Hapoel Jerusalem T-shirt in the Knicks locker room. “We finished the top team in Israel, which is beyond expectations.’’
Stoudemire has made his mark also trying to recruit players.
“Input is very important, knowing the game and recruiting, knowing players here in America,’’ said Stoudemire, who was in on the decision to hire a new coach — former 76ers general manager Brad Greenberg — and new GM Guy Harel. “I get calls from guys who’ve played in the league and want to know about playing for Hapoel. I make a call to the GM and ask him to take a look and see if they fit the brand.’’
“He’s been a very important partner for me,” Allon said. “I’m very impressed with his marketing and branding and he cares about the city. Having a No. 1 American agent, Arn, and Amar’e gives us a distinct advantage.’’
Stoudemire still is awaiting word on Israeli citizenship and continues his Judaic studies.
“I’m always studying, never stop in my quest to search for the truth, especially with Passover coming,’’ Stoudemire said.