NBA

Knicks won’t waive ‘perfect fit’ Dalembert for extra cap room

New Knicks center Samuel Dalembert just happened to be in Times Square Wednesday night when news of his trade to the Knicks made the rounds. A gleeful Dalembert told everyone who would listen he was coming to the Big Apple.

Despite speculation following the massive six-player swap with the Mavericks, The Post has learned Dalembert will not be waived by the Knicks in order to create a larger mid-level exception to spend on a July free agent. He may be the Knicks starting center this season, providing the defense Tyson Chandler once brought. On Thursday evening, Knicks president Phil Jackson said Dalembert will fill Chandler’s defensive role nicely.

His New York-based agent, Marc Cornstein, told The Post Dalembert will be “a perfect fit’’ and the 6-foot-11 Haitian native out of Seton Hall had always wanted to play in New York.

“He was in New York last night and for the last few days and that had nothing to do with the trade,’’ Cornstein said. “He loves the city. It will be a good fit. He gets to New York frequently, does a lot of charitable stuff here.’’

Dalembert, best known as a shot-blocker, has been surprisingly healthy since missing the 2002-03 season with the 76ers because of a knee injury. The 33-year-old has played in 854 games in 12 seasons.

“I never like to say it for superstitious reasons, but the past decade he’s been the most durable center in basketball, been an ironman and knows how to play hurt,’’ Cornstein said.

Last season, Dalembert appeared in 80 of 82 regular-season contests for the Mavericks, starting 68. He shot a career-best 56.8 percent from the floor, averaging 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 20.2 minutes.

“In terms of fit, I’m not Derek Fisher, but I think he is still a great rim protector first, brings defense which is something the Knicks can use,’’ Cornstein said. “Especially with the triangle, he can fit well. I thought he’s an underrated offensive player. He’s got a pretty good touch when you look at his free-throw and field-goal percentage.’’

The Knicks had made bids for Dalembert before at various times he’s been a free agent.

“The level of excitement – he enjoyed Dallas as they took San Antonio to seven games – but that being said, he’s extremely excited, loves New York City,’’ Cornstein said. “He’s a historian, so he’s aware of the culture of and history of franchise and knows how hungry we are for a winner in New York.’’

Cornstein said the large Haitian population in New York will benefit from the trade. Dalembert was hailed for traveling to Haiti to help with the 2010 earthquake relief.

“He’s absolutely so active within the Haitian community, he does so much for Haiti through his foundation,’’ Cornstein said. “The charitable acts are something of great importance to him.’’

Now armed with the 34th and 51st picks in Thursday night’s draft, Knicks president Phil Jackson could be looking for another center, and former Florida big man Patric Young has been on their radar.

There was some thought if the Knicks released Dalembert, they could move into a different tax bracket and have a full $5 million mid-level exception to sign someone like Pau Gasol, a Jackson favorite, instead of their current taxplayer $3.2 million mini-midlevel.