Metta World Peace may have been cut from the Los Angeles Lakers, but it didn’t take long for the mercurial forward to find a new home. The New York Knicks have reportedly come to terms with the forward on a two-year deal, per Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports:
Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com has more details on the deal between the Knicks and World Peace.
The 14-year veteran was the latest in a long list of amnesty clause casualties brought on by the new collective bargaining agreement signed in 2011.
L.A. bought out World Peace to save approximately $16 million this season after four years with the Lakers, notably helping the club win the 2010 championship against the rival Boston Celtics.
He can still contribute at a high level, as exemplified by his resurgent 2012-13 campaign.
The swingman put up 12.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 33.7 minutes per contest, becoming one of the most consistent players for an up-and-down Lakers squad.
While the 33-year-old’s best days are behind him—he once averaged 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game with a very good Indiana Pacers team in 2003-04—he should still find a way to shine for the Knicks.
Doug Benc/Getty ImagesEven if he comes off the bench in New York, World Peace can make an impact with his consistent three-point shooting, solid off-ball cutting and tremendous defensive capabilities.
With only one ring to his name, it’s possible that the player formerly known as Ron Artest hangs around the league a bit longer and chases a second one before hanging up his sneakers.
Now that he’s the newest member of the Knicks, World Peace has a decent chance of accomplishing that goal.
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