Donnie Walsh has not let the wave of speculation about his future affect his sense of humor.
The Knicks president reportedly took a shoot at Isiah Thomas in an interview session at the team’s practice facility Tuesday.
It’s been rumored that Thomas, the former Knicks GM/coach, helped convince owner James Dolan to make the trade for Carmelo Anthony that was completed Monday night.
Walsh was asked if he had an idea what Thomas, the head coach at Florida International University, was up to.
“I have no idea, only what I read in your paper,” Walsh said. “I’m assuming Isiah’s getting ready for the NCAA tournament. That’s what I’m assuming.”
Not likely. Thomas’ team is 9-17 overall, 4-10 in the Sun Belt Conference.
Walsh reportedly was against giving up as much as the Knicks did for Anthony, sending Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov, a 2014 first-round pick, two second-round picks, and $3 million to the Nuggets — and also dealing Eddy Curry and Anthony Randolph to the Timberwolves.
The Knicks got back Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Renaldo Balkman (a former first-round pick drafted by Thomas), Shelden Williams and Anthony Carter from Denver, plus Corey Brewer from Minnesota.
Asked about Thomas possibly consulting Dolan, Walsh said, “I can care less. There are a lot of people talking to him. I could care less.”
Dolan has yet to pick up Walsh’s contract extension for next season, adding to speculation the owner could bring Thomas back as a Knicks executive.
“I haven’t even thought about my future,” Walsh said. “I don’t think it’s time to think about my future.
“You guys are making more out of it than I’m making out of it.”
With Marc Berman