CLEVELAND — If these were his final hours as a Knick, Derrick Rose went out calling the triangle offense “random basketball’’ while praising his former coach, Tom Thibodeau, with whom he could soon be reunited.

Speaking in the visitors’ locker room in Cleveland with the clock ticking on the 3 p.m. trade deadline, a downbeat Rose said he’s “prepared’’ to be traded but is not calling his agent.

“I’d drive myself crazy if I was to try to keep in touch with [my agent] or keep tabs of what’s going on,’’ Rose said Thursday. “I’m prepared what the decision is. It’s a business. I’m just waiting to see what they’re going to do and decision they’ll make.’’

The Knicks have been in talks with Minnesota about a Rose-for-Ricky Rubio swap. Multiple reports suggest the Knicks want an additional piece. The Post confirmed they’ve asked about 6-foot-10 Serbian Nemanja Bjelica, a favorite of Knicks European scout Kevin Wilson who is averaging 5.8 points in 55 games.

There was a congruity to this morning’s Rose comments. After his very first game as a Knick in late October, in this same locker room, Rose talked about adjusting to the triangle sets and lack of pick-and-rolls. Nothing changed in the four months since.

“It’s a different offense,’’ Rose said Thursday morning. “As a point guard, you’re always in the corner and just got to play off reads and play that way. It’s new for everybody here. I get all my points off random baskets. Unless you see it go to the post, all the other stuff is just random basketball.’’

Rose is used to Thibodeau’s pick-and-roll attack, and sources indicated that’s why the Wolves coach wants him back: to show the other players how his system is run. Rose is a free agent, and Minnesota would get the edge on re-signing him. Rubio has two years left on his deal after this season, and Jackson would be forced into letting the Spaniard run the team. With four other European players on the club, it could be billed as a cultural and basketball fit.

“Great coach — I haven’t had the time to think about the opportunity to play there,’’ Rose said about Thibodeau. “I’m here. We have a game today. He was a great guy, great coach. Learned a lot from him and won a lot when we were together.”

The Knicks have long had a fascination with the playmaking Rubio, dating to when he was drafted. Wilson, the scout, has a longstanding relationship with the Rubio clan, and team president Phil Jackson likes his playmaking ability.

One person familiar with the Wolves’ thinking told The Post on Wednesday: “Ricky is very intelligent. Thibs lets him call plays. But Tom needs a scorer, and that never will be Rubio. Rose is not a cerebral player like Rubio, but Thibs was able to mask his weaknesses. Ricky is a very smart player, but he’s not a scorer. I think it’s an upgrade for what Phil wants to do.’’

Rose’s point, without stating it outright, is that his skills as a penetrator can be wasted in triangle sets. The Knicks (23-34) also use an early offense, but they seem to be trying to do more triangle sets since the losing has gotten out of hand.

“I just want to do my job and be a professional about it wherever I’m at,’’ Rose said.

Regarding Rose’s adjustment to the hybrid offense, coach Jeff Hornacek said Thursday: “He’s still trying to figure something out with the offense especially. It’s tough when you come to a new place. Takes a little while. He’s done well. His ability to get to the basket has been very good. We continue to work on setting guys up. Last three weeks, I thought he’s done a better job.”