DALLAS — Arron Afflalo moved closer to the end of his Knicks career Wednesday morning, issuing a cryptic Instagram post that contained a profanity and indicated he hasn’t grown this season.

Afflalo further escalated the situation at the morning shootaround by denying interim coach Kurt Rambis’ assertion that “a conversation’’ had taken place about why he was demoted from the starting lineup.

Rambis went right back, refuting Afflalo Wednesday night, saying beyond their initial conversation in Los Angeles, they had an “extensive conversation” Tuesday. In fact, a source indicated Tuesday’s conversation lasted more than an hour.

“We had an extensive conversation [Tuesday],’’ Rambis said. “We talked about where there may have been some confusion and I took some responsibility if I wasn’t clear. I always want to be one of those coaches just knowing a player’s perspective, one of those coaches that communicates well. They may not like what I have to say but at least they know where I’m coming from. So if I wasn’t clear in the beginning as to why he would coming off the bench that was my fault.”

Afflalo has an opt-out clause this summer, and it now seems assured he will use it and become a free agent after Rambis said he now views him as a reserve. The Knicks could benefit in gaining $8 million in cap space.

In the post, presumably posted after that chat, Afflalo stated: “Two years of just control what you can control right?… while making years of growth appears as if it has just stopped. Yeah ok. 10th year coming up and this time around that s–t won’t be forgotten.’’

Asked to explain the message, Afflalo said, “It didn’t mean much, to be honest. Just a statement to myself. That’s about it. I plan on growing next year.

“Frustration ain’t the word,’’ Afflalo added. “It is what it is. People can have their opinion of what they feel you bring to a team. That’s their opinion. My opinion may be different. For now it’s about the team, being professional and doing your job.”

Afflalo missed two games during the Western trip with an abdominal strain. When he returned to action against the Lakers, Afflalo indicated Rambis had told him he wouldn’t start that game.

Afflalo remained steadfast that was the extent of their brief encounter and the coach gave him no explanation then or since.

“We had never had the conversation,’’ Afflalo said. “There was no breakdown. Coaches are entitled to do what’s best for the team. You have to respect that. I don’t know why he would say there was a conversation. But I never had a conversation about that — except for at the Lakers game.”

On Tuesday, Rambis said new starter Sasha Vujacic brings more “speed” and “level of activity” that’s needed to start games.

“That’s their opinion,’’ Afflalo said. “With that being said, I’ll play for the Knicks. I’m just going to do my job to the best of my ability. That doesn’t necessarily mean that was the issue or I’m better served in a better position. That’s just their opinion.’’

A triangle guru, Rambis loves Vujacic to start the game because he runs the offense to perfection. Afflalo has increasingly become an isolation player and has lagged on defense since January. It was one of Phil Jackson’s important signings in July, and Afflalo is close to Carmelo Anthony. The conspiracy theory is Jackson is trying to force Afflalo to opt out as well as damage his market value.

“It’s one of those things you assess at the end of the year,’’ Afflalo said. “I don’t like discussing personal stuff. Right now it’s definitely about the team. Everybody has their own independent time in June or July.’’

Afflalo is coming off one of his worst games of the season when he fouled out in New Orleans after scoring five points, shooting 2-of-9 and posting a minus-17 rating in a horrific loss to the Pelicans’ junior varsity.