The Knicks’ bench continues to form as Lance Thomas agreed to terms on a four-year deal Monday that will pay him a starting salary of $6.1 million, according to an NBA source. The final year could have a player option.

By having kept a cap hold on Thomas, the Knicks won’t have to use space to re-sign him. They will use the early Bird exception that enables the Knicks to sign Thomas over the cap but for a set number — the league’s average salary.

Their bench stalwart of last season, Thomas had rejected a larger offer from the Clippers that was slightly more than the Knicks could pay. The Post reported Sunday the Brooklyn product was leaning toward taking a hometown discount. Thomas has become close with Carmelo Anthony after being a key piece to their 21-21 start to the season.

Knee injuries slowed Thomas down in late January, and he played just 59 games. But he was their most ferocious defender and drastically improved his 3-point shot, finishing at 40.4 percent. In addition to the Clippers, Minnesota, Oklahoma City and New Orleans showed strong interest.