When Mike Cameron walked into the Mets’ clubhouse yesterday afternoon, he quickly told reporters, “Don’t come over here and ask me about no damn trade, because I don’t know nothing about it.

“Go talk to [GM] Omar [Minaya],” Cameron added. “I’m here to play baseball.”

Minaya wouldn’t comment on yesterday’s Post exclusive linking Cameron with Gary Sheffield in a blockbuster New York swap since torpedoed – and the GM tried to categorize the Met right fielder as part of his team’s foundation.

The Yankees apparently turned down the deal, and Sheffield was told yesterday he wouldn’t be traded to the Mets. Cameron said the latest trade talks wouldn’t affect his play.

“I don’t have any reaction to it at all,” Cameron said. “Dude, I’ve been on the block and speculated since February. Take it for what it’s worth.”

After playing center field for virtually his entire career, he was moved to right this season and has thrived despite wrist and leg injuries. Entering yesterday, Cameron was batting .298 with six homers and 16 RBIs in 39 games.

“I think Cameron’s doing a great job in right field,” Minaya said.

Reminded that the Mets made no secret of discussing a Cameron deal previously, Minaya said, “That was back in spring training, but we’re very happy with Mike Cameron. He’s part of our team. I want to say he’s part of our core.

“He’s doing a great job,” Minaya added. “I think he brings a lot of good things to the table. I think he’s done a good job for us.”

Minaya confirmed that he and Yankee GM Brian Cashman spoke over the weekend but wouldn’t answer whether he feels there’s a trade that could help both teams. However, the Met GM said he’d have no hesitation dealing with any club, even the Yankees.

“I don’t restrict myself in doing business with a team or an agent,” Minaya said. “I don’t believe it’s good business.”

Minaya dismissed the notion that trade reports could affect Cameron’s play.

“Let me tell you what: If you come to play in New York, you better get ready for your name to be out there,” he said. “Especially during the trade deadline.”

One of Minaya’s preseason mandates was to make the Mets younger, more athletic and better defensively. The scuttled Sheffield deal would actually impede that effort.

“We want to stay as focused as we can in those areas,” Minaya said. “But I don’t believe you lock yourself into one position forever. You’ve got to be as flexible as possible.”

Minaya preferred not to reveal whether he has anything imminent. But the Yankees are not believed to be in play.

“There’s only a few places I decided I couldn’t go,” Cameron said. “Other than that, it’s out of my hands.

“If they decide to do it, that’s on them. Right now, I’m a New York Met. That’s where I prefer to be.”

But right field clearly isn’t. When he was asked whether the transition was going better than expected, Cameron answered, “No, it’s going just as I thought it would.”

Manager Willie Randolph said Cameron has handled the shift well and now is one of the elite right fielders in the game.

When asked if he still thinks he’s a center fielder, Cameron responded, “I’m an outfielder now – a damn good one, too.”