The veteran guard is yet another link between the Knicks and coveted point guard Jalen Brunson, their bond tracing back to Brunson’s formative years in Illinois when Rose was the Bulls’ star point guard and Brunson had dreams of playing in the NBA one day.

“I’m sure Leon Rose will play up all those ties,” Ambrose said.

As his coach said, Brunson liked the idea of returning to the northeast and joining a winning program.

The Mavericks, meanwhile, are in a far better spot as a franchise after reaching the Western Conference Finals with Brunson playing a major role, albeit as Luka Doncic’s wingman.

“Being the man I wouldn’t say would be a top thing for him,” Ambrose said.

Though Ambrose said he wouldn’t be surprised if Brunson winds up a Knicks, his former star player also enjoys playing for the Mavericks, who can offer him five years compared to the Knicks’ four.

In Dallas, the former second-round pick has developed into a strong NBA player and is coming off a long playoff run in which he was somewhat of a breakout star, averaging 21.6 points per game.

It is also unclear how much money the Mavericks are willing to pay to keep Brunson, if they would go the extra yard like the Knicks appear primed to do.

The Knicks have reportedly added a second player on an Exhibit 10 contract in forward Garrison Brooks

Thursday night, the Knicks signed guard Jean Montero to an Exhibit 10 deal