Charlie Ward’s first preference is to remain a Knick, but yesterday for the first time he sounded open to the possibility of being traded this summer.

In a speech to 50 girls at Fordham University’s Jim Lewis Basketball Camp, Ward raised the issue of being traded, telling his audience it shouldn’t be viewed as a bad thing.

“Everyone seems to think being traded is a negative thing. It’s not,” Ward said. “It’s something that you should enjoy. It could be a blessing because the Lord has moved you to another spot to do something else. There shouldn’t be a black eye on being traded. I’ve been traded for four years. Whenever your name comes up, it means you’re doing something right on the court. It means someone else would like you on their team.”