DALLAS — Reggie Bullock was labeled the “unsung hero” of the Knicks’ surge to the fourth seed last season, and, according to a source, Tom Thibodeau was keen on bringing him back.

But as free agency unfolded, team president Leon Rose devoted cap space to two other wings — Evan Fournier and Alec Burks — paving the way for Bullock to sign with the Mavericks.

Bullock’s deal of three years, $30 million was certainly affordable, but the Knicks also spent on Derrick Rose and Nerlens Noel.

Given the way the Knicks season has unfolded, it’s fair to question all their decisions. Not only was Bullock a mainstay in the Knicks lineup last season, he developed a bond with Julius Randle on and off the court. Perhaps his presence might’ve uplifted Randle during his struggles and bouts of discontent this season.

Either way, Bullock, who faces the Knicks on Wednesday night in Dallas, was a positive on the court. That has continued with the Mavericks, where he’s logging big minutes for a club 15 games over .500.

“Reggie’s gonna help any team,” Thibodeau said. “That’s who he is. He’s got a skill in shooting; he spaces the floor for your best players. He’s a great defender, and he’s got length. He’s a long wing. Wherever he’s been, he’s always helped the team. He’s a team-first guy, so he’s a good player. He’s been a good player for a long time in this league.”

Although Bullock’s spot in the starting lineup was replaced by Fournier, Thibodeau drew the comparison to Burks, who plays more on the ball but is appreciated by the coach for his perimeter defense.

“I think those type of guys, they give your team a lot of heart and toughness, and so that’s something that you can see it on every team. If you have a wing who’s a primary scorer, usually the other wing, there’s a defensive slant towards that wing,” Thibodeau said. “You could start Reggie. You could bring him off the bench. And that’s the great value that we have in Alec. Alec’s built and wired the same way. You can start Alec. You can bring him off the bench. You can play him at multiple positions. Those guys are invaluable in today’s league, guys who can play two, three, four. In Alec’s case, he can play the point, as well. So, there’s more of a premium now on those guys than ever before.”

So was Thibodeau disappointed Bullock wasn’t re-signed?

“I love Reggie. He’s a good player. When a guy earns the right to free agency, he has to do what he thinks is best for him and his family,” the coach said. “I got great respect for him, so I wasn’t disappointed. I know that’s part of the business. For a guy who conducts himself the way he does, you’re always happy when they get good situations. So, I think he was a big part of what happened last year and a byproduct of when something good happens like that, everyone’s value goes up, so that’s the case. And then you have to decide what’s best for your organization. He’s gotta decide what’s best for him and his family. And hopefully, you can find something, but it doesn’t always work out that way. It’s part of the league.”

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