Mike Budenholzer is genuinely interested in the Knicks’ job, according to an NBA source who has spoken to the Hawks coach.

“New York’s his top choice,’’ the NBA source said. “If they offered him the job, he’d say yes. He wants to live in New York.’’

Moreover, Budenholzer appears so disillusioned with the current Hawks’ philosophy, it’s difficult to imagine him returning. Atlanta is adopting the blueprint set by the “Trust The Process’’ Sixers. Budenholzer was the top decision-maker on personnel until last summer, when Travis Schlenk was named general manager. Now the 48-year-old, the 2015 Coach of the Year, has no power regarding personnel.

The Hawks may look at finances, seeking a way out of the final two years and $13 million of Budenholzer’s contract.

On Sunday, Knicks president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry interviewed Budenholzer after receiving permission from the Hawks. The downside of Budenholzer’s candidacy is the Mills/Perry tandem have no prior dealings with the coach who has guided Atlanta the last five seasons.

Budenholzer pulled his name from consideration for the Suns’ job on Thursday. Like the Hawks and Suns, the Knicks are also amid a slow rebuild.

“Phoenix and the Knicks are trying to win every game,’’ said the NBA source, who has spoken to Budenholzer recently. “There’s a good chance Atlanta is not looking to win games the next two years. This wasn’t Mike’s decision. He didn’t expect it. He doesn’t want to lose games.’’

Budenholzer is being given freedom to weigh his options — with more openings expected after the first round of the playoffs. Charlotte, Orlando, Phoenix and the Knicks currently have vacancies.

There’s a sentiment that Atlanta’s ownership believes it is harder to go through a “Trust The Process’’ era with Budenholzer coaching, though the team did a good job tanking this season in posting a 24-58 record.

There’s also sentiment that the Hawks may not delve into the free-agent market this summer to boost their roster.

One NBA executive said Hawks ownership ultimately may be motivated by finances regarding Budenholzer. It seems hard to justify Atlanta seeking major compensation like a first- or second-round pick, with cash considerations more likely.

“Ownership has quite a bit of money on the line,’’ an NBA executive said. “They may be thinking why pay him $6 million a year if they’re not a playoff contender? Why not pay someone $2 million a year for the next two years?’’

The three major attractions to hiring Budenholzer are his 213-197 record in Atlanta, including a 60-win season, being part of Gregg Popovich’s defensive-oriented coaching tree, and his solid work turning Tim Hardaway Jr. into an all-around player.

“He’s an excellent coach and teacher,’’ another NBA personnel director said. “He’s really a student of the game and did a very good job developing young players. He’s a good combo of disciplinarian and players coach. Doc Rivers isn’t a bad comparison.”

Eight official candidates have emerged for the Knicks job — a list that could grow after the first round. Six (Jerry Stackhouse, Mike Woodson, Mark Jackson, David Fizdale, Kenny Smith and Budenholzer) have interviewed.

Mills, Perry and developmental director Craig Robinson will fly to Europe this week to meet with former Cavaliers coach David Blatt. Spurs assistant coach James Borrego, who worked with Perry in Orlando, also is set to meet with Knicks brass, but San Antonio remains alive in the playoffs.