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Knicks come to agreement with Metta World Peace – Metro US

Knicks come to agreement with Metta World Peace

Metta World Peace is returning to the city of his birth. Credit: Getty Images Metta World Peace is returning to the city of his birth.
Credit: Getty Images

The Knicks are giving peace a chance.

The team has signed idiosyncratic wing Metta World Peace to a deal, according to the player himself.

He made the announcement on MSG during a Summer League Game Monday afternoon.

World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, played for St. John’s University and was born in Queens as well. He went to La Salle Academy in the East Village.

“It was simple for me. No need to look at the contract,” World Peace told MSG during his announcement. “What’s the number? A dollar? Just give me the paper and give the rest to charity. Let’s go.”

The deal is reportedly for two years and will use the remainder of their mini mid-level exception — about $1.6 million per year — to sign him.
World Peace, 33, is not regarded as the same defensive player he was during his prime, but he should add a measure of toughness to the Knicks. The Knicks’ only previous addition this offseason was Andrea Bargnani, who is a face-up post player. The team also re-signed wing scorer J.R. Smith and point guard Pablo Prigioni.

World Peace averaged 12.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game last season for the Lakers. Both numbers were the best he’s had since 2008-09 with Houston.
Head coach Mike Woodson expressed over the weekend he wasn’t worried about World Peace’s off-court antics or bad reputation.

Follow Metro New York Sports Editor Mark Osborne on Twitter @MetroNYSports.