Knicks brass had plans to sit Iman Shumpert on the eve of the trade deadline in February in New Orleans against the Pelicans, The Post has learned.

The Knicks had a deal in principle with the Clippers in a package for Darren Collison and Matt Barnes and the front office didn’t want to risk injury. The decision to sit Shumpert, however, was scrapped that night. After all, the Knicks desperately needed the game.

The Knicks won the game, but lost the trade. Shumpert sprained the MCL in his left knee — they originally thought it was torn — and the Clippers backed off. Shumpert only missed two weeks.

It was either karma or Zen.

Now Shumpert appears to have a legitimate future with Phil Jackson’s Knicks. According to a league source, Jackson is a fan of Shumpert.

Shumpert is a defensive-minded player who sacrifices his game and doesn’t need to score a lot to have an impact.

“Iman is still part of this,’’ a league source familiar with the Knicks’ thinking told The Post.

Shumpert could be a perfect pupil of the triangle offense. It doesn’t hurt he grew up a big fan of Jackson’s Bulls in Oak Park, Ill.

“I love Phil Jackson,’’ Shumpert said. “Just being a child, seeing him, how he conducted the Bulls. I just love him.’’

Shumpert, a combo guard, is starting to thrive in his new role as an energetic Sixth Man. The Post reported after the trade deadline Shumpert felt uncomfortable as starting small forward in Mike Woodson’s smallball lineup.

Shumpert will be in the final year of his rookie contract next season, earning $2.6 million. If he continues to play like he has recently, he’ll have trade value this summer. But he also could have value on this roster as Jackson revamps. Like a lot of Knicks, he will be on audition in the final 15 games as the Knicks vie for a playoff berth.

“Whatever Phil adds on, I’m sure will be positive for this ballclub,’’ Shumpert said. “I’m happy about it. Anything that will help my game — he’s had success helping players.’’

As a member of the Mavericks, Tyson Chandler ended Jackson’s coaching career with a second-round sweep of the Lakers in 2011 — one of Jackson’s most bitter moments.

Now Chandler said he is anxious to see him help the Knicks.

“I don’t know him personally, I just have all the respect in the world for him, what he’s been able to accomplish,’’ Chandler said. “I’ve been in a series against him, and you can’t say much more than he’s basketball royalty.’’

One reason Jackson is here is to attract free agents when the Knicks have cap space in 2015 and 2106.

“I could definitely see that,’’ Chandler said. “Phil has a way of bringing the best out of players and maximizing talent.’’