Metta World Peace may be headed to the New York Knicks.
After clearing waivers on Sunday, the World Peace sweepstakes began. As with all things Metta, his free agency is bound to be an adventure. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, it’s one that may lead him right to New York to join the Knicks:
World Peace is a free agent after clearing amnesty waivers last night, and the Knicks officially expressed interest to the agents of the former Ron Artest at the Las Vegas Summer League.
The Knicks are trying to schedule a meeting with World Peace in Las Vegas today or tomorrow. Agent Marc Cornstein said nothing is set in stone on the meeting yet, but said there’s “mutual interest.’’
…
According to a source, at least four teams have called to inquire about the 33-year-old, but the Knicks look to be the favorites, though World Peace hasn’t ruled out playing in China.
Thus far, the Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder, in addition to the Knicks, are all known to interest World Peace.
Which sounds about right, doesn’t it? Not that World Peace is notoriously indecisive. He doesn’t have a Dwight Howard-esque reputation by any means. But he’s known to throw the masses for a whirl every now and again, and I’m sure he’s loving the opportunity to mess with our heads this very moment.
As for where he’ll wind up, I’ll cautiously predict Knicks, understanding that could change depending on what mood he’s in and what he had for lunch.
Don’t rule out the Clippers either. They may not have a need for him, but if they’re interested, staying in Los Angeles would be the easiest transition for him. He’d be playing for a different team, but staying in the same city and building.
Had the Nets not just signed Andrei Kirilenko, they may have been an option as well. To house both players, who have similar skills sets, on the bench, however, makes little to no sense.
The Bulls would be an interesting fit, though I’m not sure there’s really room in the rotation. If they were to ever get rid of Taj Gibson or Carlos Boozer, plugging World Peace in as a stretch forward to help the spacing alongside Derrick Rose might actually be a good move. Plus, you know, Tom Thibodeau loves his defense.
Personally, I would love to see World Peace join up with the Spurs and be coached by Gregg Popovich. Do I see it happening? Absolutely not. The two parties just don’t seem like a match, though it should be noted San Antonio made a strong push for Kirilenko before he signed in Brooklyn. If the Spurs were interested in what he brings, and can get past Metta’s uniqueness, they would be an interesting fit.
Not to harp on the past, but I doubt the James Harden-less Oklahoma City Thunder are prepared to welcome World Peace with open arms. He ferociously elbowed Harden in the head during the playoffs, and while the bearded wonder is now with the Houston Rockets, there could still be some tension there.
Looking past the history, though, World Peace would be a nice defensive specialist, who can also knock down the three ball, coming off the bench. Just saying.
Signing with the Heat doesn’t seem too likely. Miami has become Ground Zero for aging stars looking to chase titles. World Peace certainly fits that bill, but does he fill an immediate need? No. Were he a center, it would be a different story. But he’s not.
China is also an option for Metta, but I seriously doubt he takes his talents out of the country. I’ll never say never, of course. This is World Peace we’re talking about. Provided he’s healthy, however, he belongs in the NBA, on a contender.
Which contender will that be?
You might not want to waste time speculating. With all the twist and turns this saga has the potential to take, you may hurt yourself. Instead, just sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Dan Favale is a firm believer in the three-pointer as well as the notion that defense doesn’t always win championships. His musings can be found at Bleacherreport.com in addition to TheHoopDoctors.com. Follow @danfavale on Twitter for his latest posts and all things NBA.
