KNICK NOTES

The Knicks did not land Ron Artest, but at least they got a break yesterday in avoiding him and the Kings’ Peja Stojakovic. The Kings, playing at the Garden last night, went with a short-handed lineup as Artest was to join Sacramento in Boston.

The Pacers-Kings deal was agreed, again, yesterday. While Isiah Thomas made inquiries into Artest, Isiah didn’t show strong interest. He told Pacers GM Donnie Walsh he didn’t want to trade any of his young talent, including his three first-round picks.

Thomas could have put together a deal in which Indiana could have saved money with expiring contracts (either Antonio Davis or Penny Hardaway). But the Knicks would have had to take on a lot of payroll, and upper management still deemed Artest a risk.

Asked why the Knicks weren’t strong contenders for Artest, Larry Brown was wishy-washy.

“I don’t know about that. You have to ask Isiah about that one,” Brown said. “I know Isiah loves him and I love him, but I don’t know if it was ever a possibility.”

Brown said the trade helps both Sacramento and Indiana.

“I think it’s a great trade for both teams,” Brown said. “They’re two great players. For Indiana, to get a great player when Artest is not playing, it’s pretty significant. If Artest goes to Sacramento, you’re getting a great player. . . . Wherever [Artest] goes, he’s averaging 20 points a game.”

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The Post has learned Knicks brass is discussing sending center Jackie Butler, 20, to their Fayetteville, N.C., Developmental League affiliate. The new CBA allows teams to send first- or second-year players to the new minor league. Butler has been inactive 10 straight games and 14 of 16. . . . Brown said Antonio Davis will rejoin the club in Philly on Saturday before the team flies for Monday’s game in Atlanta. His five-game suspension makes him eligible to return Monday. Davis had been able to practice with the team but decided he wanted time to spend with his family in Chicago.