Seattle?s Rashard Lewis is indeed a free agent and plans to visit New York for a recruiting trip if Isiah Thomas invites him July 1, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

Thomas will make the 6-9 Lewis his top free-agent priority and hopes to wine and dine him, perhaps on James Dolan?s yacht, in July. Lewis was the center of a mini-controversy yesterday, with the report he could lose his free-agent status on a technicality by opting out a few days too early. Though the contract language was hazy on the date, the Sonics aren?t pursuing it.

The Sonics released a statement yesterday, saying ?It?s clearly understood by the Sonics and Rashard Lewis that he is a free agent.?

Agent Tony Dutt, who goes way back with Thomas as Marcus Camby?s first agent, told The Post yesterday Lewis will consider a half-dozen teams. Thomas is not allowed to talk with Lewis until July 1.