FUTURES OPTION

Knicks pick up Ntilikina’s contract for 2020-21

Vive La France! While the French point guard could still be traded, Frank Ntilikina’s long-term future with the Knicks got a bump when brass picked up his fourth-year option Monday.

The final year is worth $6.3 million and the decision came with great debate from within the organization. The Knicks also exercised the fourth-year option on Dennis Smith Jr. ($5.6 million) for the 2020-21 season, but that was considered closer to a given considering he was the centerpiece of the Kristaps Porzingis trade.

The Post reported over the weekend the Knicks would make their decision on Ntilikina before Wednesday’s season opener to eliminate any distractions. With an Oct. 31 deadline, that signaled their decision was leaning toward the positive.

Ntilikina, 21, said the certainty will indeed eliminate any outside noise after his first two seasons were topsy-turvy.

“Yeah definitely off the court it does,” Ntilikina said. “Of course I’m thankful and happy about it to get this done. On the court, I’m still focusing on the first part of the season and first game. I’m excited about this year and this opportunity.”

Ntilikina had a solid FIBA World Cup performance for France’s bronze-medal-winning team this summer to increase not only his trade value but also his value to the front office, which appreciates his high basketball IQ.

His defense in the three preseason games he played in was stellar, but he still struggled with his outside shot (1for-9 from the 3-point line). Still, the organization sees progress and wasn’t about to give up its rights to a guy still on a rookie contract. If team brass had let the deadline pass without exercising the option, Ntilikina would have become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Ntilikina hopes this means he’ll be with the Knicks long term and said the decision would spur him on.

“Yeah and I would be happy about it,” he said when asked whether he wants a long career here. “It’s great here in New York to be part of this situation. It’s motivation and a big excitement. It makes me willing to give even more on the court on a daily basis.”

Knicks coach David Fizdale, who has not decided on his starting point guard, was clipped when discussing all point-guard matters.

“I don’t think he’s distracted at all,’’ Fizdale said. “He’s been very focused during the preseason. He’s had a competitive camp. I’ve been really happy with the way he’s been approaching it.” “I think I’ve improved on both sides of the court,’’ Ntilikina said.

President Steve Mills, who drafted Ntilikina while serving as GM under Phil Jackson, gave him a message when he told him the news.

“Keep going with the same mindset I have and keep working improving and trusting the process,” Ntilikina said.

With their point-guard glut, Ntilikina can still be traded even if he is no longer an expiring-contract pickup. The Knicks, who shopped Ntilikina on draft night in June, will have to find a team that believes in him. That team still could be the Knicks but Ntilikina has to step up his penetrating ability and 3-point shot. Ntilikina’s career scoring average is 5.9 points.

The 6-4 Ntilikina, Smith and Elfrid Payton are still embroiled in a battle for the starting point-guard job and the scrimmages Monday and Tuesday still factor in, according to Fizdale. Payton had the best overall preseason but not by much.

“One of them has to take it,’’ Fizdale said.

Asked if he already knows, Fizdale said, “That’s what these three days are telling us right now.

Can these practices sway him. “Absolutely,’’ the coach said. “I have not made that decision, no.’’

Smith endured a brutal preseason, hurting his back, then going 3 of 17 in the two games he played. Fizdale still has talked up Smith’s practices.

Ntilikina’s status has always been more dicey since he’s a Jackson draft pick and has not emerged offensively. Fizdale seems to consider him more of a 2-guard than a floor general.

“Coach gave us each an opportunity,’’ Ntilikina said. “We all gave 100 percent. Now that decision belongs to him.” marc.berman@nypost.com